Above, Current weather warnings issued by the  Fuaʻamotu Weather Forecasting Centre at 1:00pm on 5 February 2026

Weather warnings remain in force for Tongatapu, ʻEua and Haʻapai, as an active low-pressure trough continues to affect much of the Kingdom, bringing heavy rain, strong to gale-force winds and hazardous marine conditions.

The Fuaʻamotu Weather Forecasting Centre advises that the heavy rain warning and flash flood advisories previously in force for the Niuas have been cancelled, however, at 1:00pm today these advisories remained in effect for the rest of Tonga’s land areas.

The gale warning for the Niuas has also been cancelled, while the gale warning for Vavaʻu has been downgraded to a strong wind warning, indicating improving conditions in the northern island groups.

However, a gale warning remains in force for Haʻapai, while strong wind warnings continue for Tongatapu and ʻEua.

Meteorologists say an active and slow-moving trough of low pressure is currently lying over Vavaʻu, Haʻapai, Tongatapu and ʻEua. The system is generating widespread cloud, occasional heavy rain, gusty winds and thunderstorms, with the potential for flooding in low-lying areas.

The trough is expected to move south and away from the affected areas by late Friday afternoon, with conditions gradually improving thereafter.

Forecasts for tonight and tomorrow

• Haʻapai is expected to experience strong to gale-force winds at times, heavy rain, thunderstorms and possible tornadoes, with flooding possible in vulnerable areas.
• Tongatapu and ʻEua will see fresh to strong northwesterly winds, cloudy to overcast conditions, and periods of heavy rain with thunderstorms.
• Vavaʻu may still experience heavy rain and thunderstorms at times, though conditions are forecast to ease later today.
• The Niuas are expected to improve, with lighter winds and showers becoming isolated.

Marine Warnings

At sea, gale warnings remain in force for Haʻapai, Tongatapu and ʻEua coastal waters, with rough to very rough seas up to four metres, poor visibility in heavy rain, and hazardous conditions for small vessels.

Marine warnings for the Niuas have been cancelled, while Vavaʻu remains under a strong wind warning and small craft advisory.

Outlook

By Saturday, winds across Tonga are forecast to ease to light to moderate easterlies, with cloudy periods and occasional showers, signalling more settled weather.

Authorities continue to advise the public to remain alert, avoid flood-prone areas during heavy rain, secure property against strong winds, and for mariners to heed all marine warnings and advisories.