Sea levels in Tongatapu, Ha’apai, and ‘Eua waters are predicted to be 30-100mm above average for June, on an ocean outlook report by Tonga Meteorology. Meanwhile, for the Niuas it was predicted 30-100mm below average sea level height, and average across Vava’u.
"Stakeholders can use this forecast to make decisions about the protection of communities and infrastructure against coastal inundation," stated Tonga Met.
They reported there are some early signs that a La Nina might form in the Pacific Ocean later in 2024.
Meanwhile, the surface temperature forecast for June to August 2024 shows 0.4 to 0.8°c above average for Tonga.
"Presence of warmer or cooler waters than usual is useful because it indicates whether El Nino or La Nina like pattern is likely during the forecast period."
Coral bleaching - no stress level
Coral bleaching is at a “no stress” level across Tonga waters. Bleaching is a common stress response of corals, caused by warmer sea temperatures.
During periods of unusually high sea temperatures, corals can bleach and may eventually die if the heat stress is intense and sustained over several weeks.
Tuna
Tonga Met predicted a convergence zone to be north of the Niuas waters in the next few months.
This convergence zone is normally located to the far north of Niuafo’ou waters but in June, it is displaced a bit south.
The boundary between warm and cold ocean water is rich in nutrients and attracts Tuna.
Tonga Met stated that stakeholders can use this information to know where tuna can be found during this time period.
Rainfall outlook
The rainfall outlook generally indicates above average in the north, and average for the rest of Tonga during June to August.
Meanwhile, the maximum and minimum temperature outlook indicates warmer than average across Tonga during June to August.
In the month of April, the mean air temperature was 27.5°c which was 0.7°c warmer than average.
The highest 24hrs rainfall was 72mm recorded at Niuafo’ou on 6 April.
The highest temperature was 34.4°c recorded at Fangatongo on 30 April.
