A tropical low presently tracking southwest of Kununurra in WA could develop into a severe cyclone by this weekend based on current projections.

The Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) says scattered heavy rainfall is expected over the Kimberley today and tomorrow as the low moves west in the direction of Broome.

“The low is expected to track to the west and move offshore on Wednesday and develop into a cyclone,” the bureau says in an information bulletin today.

“The cyclone is then forecast to turn towards the Pilbara coast on Friday and intensify further before reaching the coast at the weekend. At this stage a severe cyclone impact is possible for the Pilbara coast between Exmouth and Port Hedland.”

The bureau cautioned its forecast is a “best estimate” and could change depending on how the tropical low progresses.

Australia experiences about 10-13 tropical cyclones on average each season and four typically cross the coast. The season runs from November to April.

Meanwhile, losses from the hailstorms that hit the ACT, NSW and Victoria have climbed to at least $638 million from more than 69,850 claims lodged, according to the Insurance Council of Australia.

About 53% of the claims were lodged in the ACT, followed by Victoria with 30% and NSW with 17%.