Tropical Cyclone Alfred Yet to Strengthen as It Drifts Off Queensland Coast
Category 2 system remains about 930km north-east of Mackay, with an uncertain trajectory in the Coral Sea
A slow-moving tropical cyclone off the north-east coast of Australia is expected to linger in the Coral Sea for the next several days, but meteorologists warn that its future path remains uncertain, with a possible turn towards Queensland.
According to the Bureau of Meteorology (BoM), Tropical Cyclone Alfred, currently classified as a category 2 system, is positioned approximately 930km north-east of Mackay. The cyclone is tracking slowly southward and is forecast to intensify into a category 3 system in the coming days while remaining well offshore.
However, forecasters caution that Alfred’s next movements are still unclear. There is a possibility that the cyclone could be drawn towards the Queensland coast as a weakening system, or it may continue its southward trajectory, staying away from land.
“There is a chance that Alfred may be steered towards the Queensland coast, more likely as a weakening system … or it could continue moving southwards and remain off the Queensland coast,” the bureau stated in a cyclone update on Wednesday.
Senior meteorologist Dean Narramore reassured that, for now, Alfred is far enough offshore to pose minimal impact to Queensland.
“Some scenarios suggest it could shift closer to the Queensland coast over the weekend and into early next week, though it is still expected to remain offshore,” Narramore explained.
“Other projections indicate it may track further south-east, moving away from Queensland entirely.”
The BoM has advised residents in central and south-east Queensland to stay informed by monitoring official weather updates, with the next forecast due at 5pm on Wednesday.
Meanwhile, north and central Queensland have recently endured several severe flooding events and record-breaking rainfall in 2025. As communities begin recovery efforts, health officials have raised concerns over a surge in melioidosis cases—a deadly bacterial infection linked to wet conditions.
Since January, Cairns has reported 53 cases and nine fatalities, while Townsville has recorded three additional deaths. Melioidosis is a serious illness transmitted through exposure to contaminated water, soil, or air, typically during the wet season.
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