A WEATHER pattern with the potential to develop into a cyclone is currently being monitored on the Coral Sea.

Meteorologists say activity off the coast could develop into a tropical low with a strong weather system already predicted near Townsville next Wednesday.

The Bureau of Meteorology said today if the cyclone does develop it could cross further north between the Bowen and Cooktown coasts. Port Douglas boat owners have been contacted and asked to be prepared in the event of extreme weather.

The current BOM outlook says there is a ‘very low’ chance of a cyclone up until Thursday, but that could change as early as Friday.