Queensland facing hotter, drier cyclone season

Queensland is in for a hotter and drier cyclone season with weather experts forecasting more bushfires and ongoing drought.

The Bureau of Meteorology's latest seasonal outlook shows less cyclones and widespread flooding but warns of an increased chance of heatwaves, dust storms and coral bleaching on the Great Barrier Reef.

"We're heading into a drier and warmer than average season ahead, which means a prolonged bushfire season that's already upon us," BoM state manager Bruce Gunn said.

But authorities are warning north Queensland residents to prepare for anything.

"Any tropical cyclone that forms in the coral sea has a one in four chance of crossing the coast," Mr Gunn added.

"It only takes one tropical cyclone to make the season just like we saw with tropical cyclone Debbie."

The cyclone season typically runs from the beginning of November to April 20, with most between December and April.