THE Weather Channel is forecasting a severe weather season compared to last year with an increased number of tropical cyclones and bushfires.

According the Weather Channel, weak La Niña conditions confirmed in the Pacific will see above-average rain, but flooding is expected to be less severe than last year. The next six months is also expected to bring the threat of severe thunderstorms and heat waves as Australia’s severe weather season approaches in October.

“Above-average rain through northern and eastern Australia is likely to once again prompt broad-scale flooding. Areas which will see a return of above average rain include; Queensland, the NT, northern parts of WA, north-east parts of SA, much of NSW and northern Victoria,” chief meteorologist Dick Whitaker says.

Mr Whitaker said Melbourne, Adelaide, Perth and Canberra are likely to each see one heatwave.

“After 10 years of drought and rampant bushfires followed by one of the wettest years on record in 2010, it is only reasonable that Australians are unsure of what to expect this year. The potential for major fires across southern Australia over the next six months is higher than in 2010,” he says.

According to senior meteorologist Tom Saunders, thunderstorm numbers this year should be relatively close to average, even with a weak La Niña. However, if stronger La Niña conditions do develop, Brisbane and possibly Sydney would most likely see fewer severe storms.

Severe weather season traditionally kicks off in October but the first severe thunderstorms usually occur earlier in August or September.

He said the forecast number of days with severe thunderstorms from October to April within 150km radius of the Canberra CBD is 13 to 17 days.