THE Solomon Islands Meteorological Service (SIMS) weather desk has confirmed that the current bad weather that is affecting the country since last week is not a cyclone.
This came following enquiries received by the Solomon Star from members of the public, especially those in Honiara and the provinces.
People have feared that there might be a cyclone that is developing somewhere close to the Solomon Islands, or is currently hitting the country.
A SIMS staff from the Weather desk clarified the current bad weather (strong winds, rough seas) yesterday.
“The cyclone season is from November to April. The current weather condition is not a cyclone.
“However, during this time of year high pressures systems around Australia strengthens and enhances the SE trade winds (ARA) which helps to push a lot of moisture building up over our region for couple of days or even a week.
“This will then contribute to increase cloudiness and winds that brings rain or unstable weather for us in the Solomon Islands,” the officer explains.
In a weather update from the SIMS office yesterday evening, it says that there is a fresh to Strong South-easterly winds (15 to 25 knots) which remain enforce for waters of Rennell & Bellona, Makira, Temotu, south of Western, Russell, Guadalcanal and south and eastern waters of Malaita.
There is also moderate swells of (2.5 to 3.0m) that was current for Temotu waters.
For the General Situation: A general easterly trade wind flow persists over Solomon Islands.
Forecast for the Western Region (Western, Choiseul and Isabel provinces)
East to Southeast winds at 05 to 15 knots with slight to moderate seas. Isolated showers and thunderstorms. Further outlook for Tuesday: East to Southeast winds at 05 to 15 knots.
Forecast for the Central Region (Malaita, Guadalcanal and Central provinces)
East to Southeast winds at 15 to 20 knots reaching 25knots at times with moderate to rough seas and low to moderate Southeast swells over waters South of Guadalcanal and Southeast of Malaita. Scattered showers and isolated thunderstorms. Further outlook for Tuesday: East to Southeast winds at 15 to 20 knots.
Forecast for the Eastern Region (Makira, Temotu and Rennell/Bellona provinces)
East to Southeast winds at 10 to 20 knots reaching 25 knots at times with moderate to rough seas and low to moderate southeast swells over waters of Makira and Renbel. Rain showers and isolated thunderstorms. Further outlook for Tuesday: East to Southeast winds at 10 to 20 knots.
Forecast for Honiara port & surrounding areas
East to Northeast winds at 05 to 15 knots with slight seas and low easterly swells. A few showers and isolated thunderstorms. Further outlook for Tuesday: East to Northeast winds at 05 to 15 knots.
The next update will be issued at 9:00am this morning.
By RONALD TOITO’ONA
