Cyclone Maila has weakened to a Category 2 system as it continues moving slowly across the Solomon Sea, with forecasters warning it could still impact parts of northeastern Queensland early next week. Australia’s Bureau of Meteorology confirmed the downgrade in its latest update, noting that the storm is expected to track south of Papua New Guinea over the weekend.

The cyclone had earlier intensified into a Category 5 system, making it one of the strongest storms of the season, but has steadily weakened over the past 24 hours due to unfavourable environmental conditions. Tropical Cyclone Maila Update: Powerful Storm Heads Towards Queensland Coast, Landfall Likely Next Week.

Cyclone Maila Live Tracker Map on Windy:

Cyclone Maila Weakens To Category 2

Rapid Weakening After Peak Intensity

According to the Bureau of Meteorology, Cyclone Maila was downgraded from Category 5 to Category 4 and then further to Category 3 before weakening to Category 2. As of the latest update, the system was located between Papua New Guinea and the Solomon Islands, moving southwest at a slow pace of about 8 km/h.

Wind speeds have reduced to around 140 km/h, with gusts reaching up to 195 km/h. The cyclone’s central pressure was recorded at 966 hPa, indicating a weakening system. Cyclone Narelle Viral Video: Skies Turn Blood Red in Western Australia As Storm Approaches Coast.

Meteorologists say persistent wind shear and cooler sea surface temperatures have significantly reduced the cyclone’s strength. The storm’s slow movement has also caused oceanic upwelling, lowering water temperatures and limiting further intensification.

Track Towards Papua New Guinea and Australia

Forecast models indicate that Cyclone Maila will continue drifting southwest, passing close to southeastern Papua New Guinea over the weekend. After this, it is expected to move west or west-southwest towards the Cape York Peninsula in northern Queensland.

However, forecasters caution that there remains uncertainty in the storm’s exact path and speed. Some models suggest the system could weaken further or even dissipate before reaching Australia.

Cyclone Maila: Potential Impact Areas

Southeastern Papua New Guinea is expected to experience the earliest impacts, including strong winds and heavy rainfall as the cyclone passes nearby.

For Australia, the Bureau of Meteorology has indicated that impacts could begin as early as Monday and extend into mid-next week, particularly in areas around Cape York Peninsula.

Experts attribute the cyclone’s weakening to two main factors: strong easterly wind shear and reduced sea surface temperatures. The storm’s slow movement has stirred cooler waters to the surface, weakening its energy source. Satellite observations also show the cyclone has lost its defined eye and central convection has decreased, further confirming the decline in intensity.

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(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Apr 10, 2026 02:22 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).