Australian east coast low

Australian east coast lows (known locally as east coast lows, maritime lows, and east coast cyclones) are extratropical cyclones or low-pressure systems on the coast of southeastern Australia that may be caused by both mid-latitude and tropical influences over a variety of levels in the atmosphere.

The most intense of these systems have many of the characteristics of subtropical cyclones. They develop between 25˚ south and 40˚ south and within 5˚ of the eastern Australian coastline, mostly during autumn and early winter with a peak in June. Prior to the introduction of satellite imagery in the early 1960s, many east coast lows were classified as tropical cyclones. ECLs are responsible for more than half of all days with rainfall above 50 mm (2.0 in) in the southeastern seaboard.

These storms which mostly affect the southeast coast should not be confused with Australian region tropical cyclones which typically affect the northern half of the continent. A Tasman Low is an offshore low that occurs around 200 km away from the coast which can cause light to moderate rainfall and gusty winds, although its effect is insignificant compared to that of an east coast low.