New Zealand’s National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research (NIWA) has predicted that between nine to twelve tropical cyclones could impact the Pacific region during this cyclone season.
The Director for Niue Meteorological Office Mrs Rossy Misiepo told BCN News that three cyclones are predicted to reach category 3 or higher in the region. For Niue it is predicted for 1 up to 2 cyclones with normal risk.
The prediction was revealed during the Ninth Pacific Island Climate Outlook Forum (PICOF-9) on Wednesday last week October 20th. PICOF 9 also looked into the El Nino Southern Oscillation or ENSO status and also linking Climate with the Energy Sector.
“The Forum also discussed on the ENSO status for the region, the El Nino Southern Oscillation from now until the beginning of year 2022 is La Nina event. This influences Niue’s climate for above normal rainfall. We experienced La Nina event last year and this year again, so the effects we expect to experience are the same” says Mrs Misiepo.
Also revealed at the meeting was the 2021/2022 Australian Bureau of Meteorology outlook which predicted a 59% chance of more than four tropical cyclones in the western region of the Pacific, which includes countries like Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands and New Caledonia. It predicted a 46% chance of more than six tropical cyclones for the eastern region, which includes countries like Fiji, French Polynesia, Samoa, Tonga and Vanuatu.
Niue was represented by the Niue Meteorological Service staff and Director Mrs Misiepo and Andre Siohane and Brandon Kulatea represented the Energy sector. This year’s PICOF was based on linking climate with the energy sector.
Mrs Misiepo told BCN news that “There are currently efforts implemented by partners across the Pacific Islands countries to meet the Pacific energy goal of 100% renewable energy by 2030.
“ENSO impacts solar radiation and wind patterns across the region which are the primary sources of renewable energy in the region. For Niue, our target is for 80% renewable energy by 2025.”
The South West Pacific’s cyclone season runs from November to April.
Pacific countries are reminded to remain vigilant at all times and take heed of information and warnings from the National Meteorological Office.