We examine the changing characteristics of landfalling tropical cyclones since 1980. Landfall is defined as approach to within 50 km of a landmass, and multiple landfalls by the same cyclone are counted as unique events. The cyclone’s intensity, size, and translation speed are recorded at the first analysis location within the 50 km radius. The changing characteristics of these components are then summarised for the globe, each hemisphere and each major ocean basin.

Our results show marked changes in size and intensity over the period 1980-2017, with both trends and multidecadal variability present. The radius to maximum winds has increased substantially globally and in all regions except the western South Pacific. The proportion of most intense cyclones also has generally increased, with the most marked trend being in the western North Pacific and least in the Australian region.

Further details and the implications for regional risk and impacts will be discussed.