Tonga Meteorological Service Drought Report (29 September 2023)

(Excerpt)

Alerts and warnings

1. Drought Alerts are for Niuafo’ou and Niuatoputapu

2. Drought Warnings are in force for Ha’apai and Vava’u

3. Tongatapu and ‘Eua are in drought.

4. For the next three months (October – December 2023):

a. Expect a 30% Rainfall deficiency for Vava’u, Ha’apai, Tongatapu and ‘Eua.

b. Expect a 15 – 20% Rainfall deficiency for Niuafo’ou and Niuatoputapu.

1. For the NEMC to note that the month of October 2023 is the month with the most predicted rainfall deficit for all island divisions of Tonga.

2. For the NEMC to strategically implement response based on the above drought status advisories and the percentage of the expected rainfall deficiency for each island division.