Results for Tonga Meteorological Services

Tonga is expecting up to three tropical cyclones, including at least one severe tropical cyclone for the 2023-24 cyclone season, Tonga Meteorological Services warned today. Most tropical cyclones occur in Tonga between January and March.

Early warning of extreme weather events leads to early action and this saves lives, Tonga Meteorological Services (TMS) stressed at its 4th Users’ Climate Outlook Forum, held in Nuku'alofa today, bringing together different sectors of the community to talk about its services.

Booming thunder over Nuku'alofa this afternoon is raising people's anxiety and scaring animals, especially dogs who are running for cover, as it reminds them of the volcanic explosions of January 15, when Hunga Tonga-Hunga Ha'apai erupted, bringing devastating tsunamis to nearby coastlines in Tonga. By Linny Folau.

Community consultations are underway in Vava’u to help Tonga Meteorological Services establish a Multi-Hazard Early Warning System (MHEWS) policy for the country. Meanwhile, a new Vava'u Emergency Coordination Centre will be opened tomorrow attended by King Tupou VI and Queen Nanasipau‘u.

Above average rainfall is forecast across Tonga up to January 2021, according to the latest climate update from Tonga Meteorological Service. Tonga Met is also using traditional knowledge indicators to forecast tropical cyclones and so far, our mango trees, the birds and the bees and bananas are not indicating cyclones.

Southern Tonga has experienced extreme rainfall this week that was close to the record, for a 24 hour period in the current “dry season”. A La Niña Alert for October-December 2020, further increases the chances of above average rainfall across Tonga.

Tropical Cyclone Tino has caused storm surge damage to homes mainly in Ha’apai and Niuatoputapu said Tonga's National Emergency Management Office (NEMO) Director, Paula Ma’u today, 20 January.

Drier than average weather is forecast for Tonga over the next three months (January – March) according to the latest climate update by Tonga Meteorological Services. Tonga's wet season which runs from November until April is also known as the cyclone season. Tonga Met reports the sea surface temperature is expected to be a little above average in February.

A network of 88 civil defence sirens will be installed throughout Tonga as part of a new Multi Hazard Early Warning System that is expected to become operational by August next year.