Severe Tropical Cyclone Ian passes over Tonga. 11 January 2014.

Tonga's Meteorology Department is warning that current weather conditions indicate that Tonga could suffer a Cyclone this summer.

In a statement yesterday Tonga Met said that weather conditions experienced this year are similar to weather conditions that have preceded cyclones in the past.

“Tonga is likely to experience above average tropical cyclone activity this November to April 2015, with at least two cyclones expected during the season.”

“Traditional knowledge indicates when drought conditions are more severe during the dry season (resulting in the fruiting of most fruit trees) enhanced tropical cyclone activity is to be expected in the upcoming cyclone season.”

“The peak time for tropical cyclones in Tonga is from January to March, with most events occurring in February. Even tropical depressions that do not become cyclones have caused loss of life and property in the past. Tropical cyclones passing close to the country may also bring heavy rain and squally conditions with possible flooding and sea flooding of low-lying coastal areas. It is therefore critical that all communities in Tonga take heed of the warnings and alerts and act responsibly, to minimise loss.”

‘Ofa Fa’anunu, Director of Tonga Meteorological Services  expects above average cyclone activity. “In the past when pre-cyclone season conditions in the atmosphere and ocean have been similar to this year, Tonga has had ...an average of two cyclones reaching our shores,” he said.