The origins of Cyclone Bert–Christelle can be traced to a quasistationary convergence zone that spread across Indonesia to north of the Cocos Islands.

Later on that day, the disturbance gained sufficient organization, noted by curved cloudbands, to be classified as Cyclone Bert.

The cyclone moved to the southwest, gradually intensifying and attained a peak intensity of 150 km/h (95 mph) and a barometric pressure of 965 hPa (28.49 inHg) on November 29.

Dan's track shifted abruptly to the northeast from interacting with Carol, attaining a peak intensity of 95 km/h (60 mph) and 985 hPa (29.08 inHg) on December 16.

Dan's low level circulation moved erratically to the south and passed within 140 km west of Christmas Island on December 17, where winds of 74 km/h were observed.

The cyclone caused some crop and structural damages in South East Queensland, and beach erosion occurred on the Gold and Sunshine coasts.

It subsequently moved west into the Timor Sea and the Indian Ocean, and although intensifying to Category 3 and reaching a lowest pressure of 960.0 hectopascals (28.35 inHg), did not approach land again.