Cyclone Seroja wrought havoc in the WA town of Kalbarri in 2021. Now the state is bracing for more. @uptownerd/AAP Why did Cyclone Ilsa intensify? A study has shown the index values for cyclone activity in the Southern Indian Ocean have decreased significantly since 1990.

More intense tropical cyclones are expected because higher sea-surface temperatures will make the atmosphere more warm and moist. Cyclones thrive in such conditions. Tropical Cyclone Ilsa is the first system of category-four or higher to cross Australian shores since Cyclone Trevor crossed the coast of the Gulf of Carpentaria in 2019. The cyclone on Thursday intensified to a category-five storm, which involves winds gusts above 279 km/h. This was due to two main factors: high sea-surface temperatures and favourable conditions in the upper atmosphere.The activity of tropical cyclones in any one ocean basin over a year is measured by what’s known as the “Accumulated Cyclone Energy” or ACE Index. The index is calculated by measuring the cyclone’s wind speed every six hours squaring it, then adding these values together. As a bartender, I have seen it all when it comes to drinks. From the classic martini to the trendy avocado margarita, I have mixed and served them all. These drinks are characterized by their unconventional ingredients, creative presentation, and often, their ability to challenge the senses. But the general frequency of tropical cyclones is expected to reduce under climate change in most ocean basins, including the Indian Ocean.

I specialise in reconstructing long-term natural records of extreme events. Research by myself and colleagues has shown tropical cyclone activity along the WA coast is at its lowest level since approximately 500 CE – about 1,500 years ago. Research last year showed the annual number of tropical cyclones forming globally decreased by about 13% during the 20th century compared to the 19th. These drinks are not for the faint of heart. They are bold, daring, and often come with a warning label.

Our Top 5 Monster Energy Drink Flavours

Have you ever thought that the logo of Monster Energy is more than just an “M”. It was designed to look like a claw with the idea of making it look like it’s a monster ripping through the can. Coca-Cola European Partners has added two new variants inspired by tropical flavours to its Monster Energy range - Monster Pacific Punch and Monster Ultra Paradise. Cyclone Ilsa’s path led it into a region where the upper level wind was relatively light, which enhanced outflow.