SYDNEY, Oct. 6 (Xinhua) -- The northeast Australian state of Queensland is facing an increased risk of severe cyclones during the upcoming disaster season due to warmer sea surface temperatures, the national weather bureau has warned.

The Bureau of Meteorology said in its annual severe weather outlook for Queensland on Tuesday that the state is likely to be hit by at least one severe cyclone of Category 3 strength or above during the upcoming season, which runs from the start of November through April.

Forecaster Laura Boekel told the Australian Broadcasting Corporation that warmer sea surface temperatures are expected to develop in the Coral Sea off Queensland's northeast coast over the coming months, fueling stronger cyclones.

Two Category 5 cyclones developed in the Coral Sea during the 2025-26 season for the first time since records began in 1970. One of them, Tropical Cyclone Narelle, made landfall in far north Queensland as a Category 4 system in March, but missed major population centers.

In addition to the increased cyclone threat, Boekel said the bureau is forecasting warmer than average temperatures across large parts of Queensland and below average rainfall until December.

"This will increase the chance of heatwaves occurring, and will increase their severity as well," she said.

The release of the severe weather outlook coincided with Queensland's state government on Tuesday launching a campaign urging residents to prepare ahead for the disaster season.

Ann Leahy, the Minister for Fire and Disaster Recovery of Queensland, said that an increased emphasis is being put on bushfire preparedness, instructing people across Queensland to make a severe weather emergency plan.

Queensland Fire Department Commissioner Steve Smith said that bushfire activity since the start of September has been up 20 percent compared to 2025, with conditions expected to deteriorate until forecast heavy rainfall at the end of the year. ■

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