Three tropical cyclones, Rae, Seru, and Alfred, are currently spinning in the South Pacific, which scientists say is unusual but not unprecedented. While it is common to have multiple hurricanes simultaneously in the North Atlantic, it is less common in the South Pacific. The last time three such storms occurred in the region was in January 2021.
Rae, which formed north of Fiji, caused damage to fruit trees with strong winds and heavy rain. Alfred developed in the Coral Sea and is expected to bring flooding rains to northeastern Australia. Seru, currently tracking near Vanuatu, is forecasted to remain offshore.
The cause of three cyclones simultaneously is unclear, but scientists point to the high activity typical during this time of year. Gabriel Vecchi, a climate scientist, mentioned a Madden-Julian Oscillation, a fluctuation in the atmosphere that can enhance cyclone activity. However, the chaotic nature of the atmosphere means that there could be other unforeseen factors at play.
Overall, the occurrence of three cyclones in the South Pacific at the same time is a rare phenomenon, indicating that the region is currently experiencing unusual weather patterns. While the storms are cause for concern due to their potential for damage, they also provide valuable insights into the complex interactions of weather systems in the region.
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