The first tropical cyclone of the season is expected to hit the Queensland coast but the timing and intensity is still uncertain. Severe Tropical Cyclone Jasper is a category 3 system and over the Solomon Sea about 1320km north-east of Cairns at 11am on December 7, according to the Bureau of Meteorology. The cyclone could strengthen further to a category 4 or 5 system on December 8. But it is then likely to weaken slightly during the weekend as it tracks towards Australia. The Bureau's forecast map shows the likelihood of impacts to the Queensland coast from late on December 11. "While the timing and severity of a coastal impact remains highly uncertain, the highest risk of a cyclone impact lies between Cooktown and Mackay, including Cairns and Townsville," the Bureau website said. "This is a good reminder for everyone along the Queensland coast to check your tropical cyclone plan," the Bureau's senior meteorologist Angus Hines said. The Bureau is providing regular updates with forecast information and track maps available bom.gov.au/cyclone/index.shtml In Australia the tropical cyclone season is from November 1 to April 30. The most cyclone-prone area is the WA coast between Broome and Exmouth, but northern Queensland and the Northern Territory are also often impacted. There were six tropical cyclones during the 2022-23 season. The last for the season was Severe Tropical Cyclone Ilsa which crossed over the Western Australian coast at Pardoo, 150km north of Port Hedland as a category five system in April.