Tonga’s Cyclone Season Concludes but Vigilance Remains Essential

The Tonga Meteorological Service has declared the 2024-2025 cyclone season over. Despite this, the public should avoid complacency as cyclones can still occur beyond the usual November to April period. This season saw average activity with four cyclones but none classified as severe. Residents are urged to stay informed through official sources.

The Tonga Meteorological Service has officially announced the conclusion of the 2024-2025 Tropical Cyclone (TC) season. This season, which traditionally spans from November to April, concluded with average activity. Residents, however, are reminded that cyclones can still develop outside of this expected timeframe, so maintaining vigilance is essential.

The cyclone season this year saw a total of 11 tropical disturbances developing within the Southwest Pacific region. Out of these, four systems intensified and became cyclones: TC ‘Pita’ and TC ‘Tam,’ both classified as Category 1, alongside TC ‘Rae’ and TC ‘Seru,’ which reached Category 2. This activity aligns with the earlier predictions made in October 2024, which estimated a lower cyclone count than previous years.

Interestingly, despite the expectations of 1–2 cyclones and a 50% likelihood of encountering a severe cyclone classified at Category 3 or above, none of the severe cyclones unfolded during this current season. Most of the cyclonic systems impacted the western and southwestern waters of Tonga, particularly affecting regions near Pita and Rae.

Even with the official end of the cyclone season now declared, monitoring of potential cyclone formation remains crucial. The Meteorological Service has warned that occasional cyclones may still materialize before or after the standard November to April window. Notably, any cyclones that do form outside this typical timeframe will still count toward the annual statistics.

Residents are encouraged to remain proactive in staying informed about weather developments through official sources. For up-to-date information, they can reach out to the Meteorology Division at 35355 or visit the official website at www.met.gov.to. Staying aware and prepared can make a significant difference in the wake of unpredictable cyclone activity.

In conclusion, while the Tonga Meteorological Service has marked the end of the official cyclone season, the public should remain alert for unexpected cyclonic activity. This season was typical, with average cyclone occurrences, and though no severe cyclones emerged, authorities remind residents that threats can still arise outside the typical cyclone timeframe. Monitoring updates through official channels will remain crucial.

Original Source: kanivatonga.co.nz