Below average cyclones forecast for Aust

OUTLOOK FOR TROPICAL CYCLONES IN AUSTRALIA THIS SEASON, COMPARED TO THE AVERAGE NUMBER OF CYCLONES OVER THE PAST 45 YEARS:

* Australia

Average number of tropical cyclones over the past 45 years - 11

Chance of fewer tropical cyclones this season - 91 per cent

* Western region

Average number of tropical cyclones over the past 45 years - seven

Chance of fewer tropical cyclones this season - 75 per cent

* Northwestern sub-region

Average number of tropical cyclones over the past 45 years - five

Chance of fewer tropical cyclones this season - 85 per cent

* Eastern region

Average number of tropical cyclones over the past 45 years - four

Chance of fewer tropical cyclones this season - 73 per cent

* Northern region

Average number of tropical cyclones over the past 45 years - three

Chance of fewer tropical cyclones this season - 64 per cent

Source: Bureau of Meteorology.