Occurrence of tropical depressions and cyclones in the north eastern Australian region during the season 1957-1958

During the year ended 30 June 1958 there were sixteen incipient depressions over northeastern waters of Australia. Six of these failed to reach cyclonic stage but one was very close and gave phenomenal flood rains while continuing as a rain depression on the Central Queensland coast. This same depression executed a double looped path between Willis Island and the Central Coast. As a contrast to the 1956-57 season a much more variable direction of movement of cyclones occurred. Three moved somewhat westerly, and three in the far east decidedly south, while another far eastern storm followed an almost circular path. Origins of depressions were between 5 and 15 degrees south latitude. The last cyclone in June (16C) off the South Coast of Queensland has been included although it was evidently an extra tropical system. The "Bowen" cyclone of 1April 1958 was remarkable for its sudden life, restricted size and path. Tentative synoptic experience gained in forecasting and in following the cyclone histories is given.