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Tonga may get average or above average rainfall for the next five months, according to the latest climate update from Tonga Meteorological Service released today.

Rainfall is forecasted to be average over Tongatapu and ‘Eua and below average for the rest of the country for July to September.

Tonga is currently in its cool dry season of lower rainfall and cooler temperatures, experienced from May to October.

Tongan farmers might expect some rain early next week to relieve the current dry conditions in Tongatapu, Ha’apai, ‘Eua and Niuafo’ou, according to the Tonga Meteorology Department today. However, water conservation is still advised as below average rainfall is persisting for the season.

The people of Tonga are advised to conserve water and prepare for warmer days and higher chance for tropical cyclone activity in the next three to six-months. There is drought in the two Niuas, while drought warnings have been issued for the remaining islands.

With below average rainfall expected over the next three-months, drought warnings remain in force for the whole of the Tonga group, and the public is advised to use water wisely and collect as much rainwater as possible during the current peak of the rainy season. However, the El Nino warning previously in force for Tonga has now been downgraded to an El Nino watch.

Nuku‘alofa is experiencing flash flooding of low-lying areas, with water coming inside some homes, after thunderstorms this afternoon dumped almost a month's rainfall over Tongatapu in only seven hours.