Wet weather forecasted to affect Solomon Islands

By Alfred Pagepitu

Showers and cloudy conditions are expected across most provinces tonight and tomorrow.

At this stage, no cyclone is present and no weather warnings have been issued.

Weather satellite imagery this evening shows rain clouds across the country due to an area of unstable weather bringing cloud and rain currently affecting the Solomon Islands.

The public is reminded that this period falls within the rain and cyclone season, and residents are advised to stay alert and informed.

A tropical low-pressure system is expected to form inside the Coral Sea and will not affect the Solomon Islands immediately.

Deputy Director of the Solomon Islands Meteorological Service, Eddie Maru, told SIBC News that the system is forecasted to develop off northeastern Australia.

He said the system is expected to move south of Rennell and Bellona, Makira-Ulawa and Temotu provinces before tracking towards Vanuatu and New Caledonia.

Mr Maru said the system is expected to start affecting the country’s weather later on Monday.

Once the system moves closer, associated clouds will increase, bringing rain and rough seas, particularly to southern provinces.

“From Sunday through to the New Year, weather conditions are expected to gradually change, especially in the southern parts of the country,” Mr Maru said.

He added that weather officers are closely monitoring the system.

“This is our cyclone and wet season. Please take precautionary measures, especially from the 29th through to New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day,” he said.

Mr Maru also advised people travelling by sea to exercise caution.

“Heavy rain can reduce visibility, and rough seas associated with this system may be dangerous for inter-island travel,” he said.

The public is advised to listen to SIBC and follow other media outlets for daily weather updates.

People with Facebook accounts are encouraged to follow the Solomon Islands Meteorological Service Facebook page, share updates with others, and ensure people with disabilities receive the information.

The South Pacific cyclone season runs from November to April, and meteorologists say several cyclone formations are possible across the region during this period.

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