Loud thunder over Tongatapu “not an eruption” [1]
Tuesday, March 15, 2022 - 14:48. Updated on Tuesday, March 15, 2022 - 14:49.
By Linny Folau
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.
But Tonga Meteorological Services have reassured people this afternoon, that the thunderstorm we have just heard is due to a trough approaching Tongatapu and 'Eua, from the west.
"It is NOT RELATED to HTHH volcanic eruption or any eruption. Today's weather will be mostly cloudy and overcast with occasional rain and thunderstorm especially Tongatapu and 'Eua." they stated on the Tonga Met Facebook page
The 1:00pm weather bulletin issued from the Fua’amotu Weather Forecasting centre reported that the trough lies slow moving over Tongatapu and 'Eua.
“This trough will bring associated cloud and occasional rain with possible thunderstorm to affect Tongatapu and 'Eua. Meanwhile, a moist northerly wind-flow prevails over the Group.”
More thunderstorms are possible for tomorrow.
The forecast to midnight tomorrow for Tonga is light northeasterly winds, variable at times. It will mostly be fine apart from cloudy periods with possible scattered showers.
For Tongatapu and ‘Eua forecast there will be light and variable northeasterly winds. It will mostly be cloudy with occasional showers, possibly heavy at times with thunderstorms.
The outlook for Thursday, March 17 for all Tonga is light east to northeasterly winds, calm or variable at times.
It is expected to be cloudy at times with scattered showers especially the morning and evening hours, reported Tonga Met.