A tropical depression over the Solomon Islands is being watched closely by meteorologists and climate experts alike in case the deep low pressure system forms into a second rare early season cyclone for the region.
This month, Cyclone Raquel became the first July cyclone in Australia's eastern region since the satellite era began in the early 1970s.
Jess Carey of Australia's Bureau of Meteorology says there was only about a one in five chance that the low over the islands would develop into a cyclone.
He says if it enters Australia's zone, the storm would be the first clear August cyclone in the satellite era in the region.
The forecasters say the system could bring damaging winds and heavy rains to the Solomons or other areas.
