A drought has been declared for Tongatapu and ‘Eua, with alerts for Niuafo’ou and Niuatoputapu, and warnings for Ha’apai and Vava’u this month by Tonga Meteorology.
A rain deficit is forecast for the coming months within this El Nino period.
In the last three months, the rainfall in Tongatapu was below the the average rainfall within three months.
Tonga Met reported drier than normal conditions in Tongatapu, and forecast a negative 100mm of precipitation per day below the average.
From this month until December, Tongatapu, Vava’u, Ha’apai, and ‘Eua, will expect a 30 percent rainfall deficiency, while Niuafo’ou and Niuatoputapu expects a 15-20 percent rainfall deficiency.
The public are urged to use rainwater and tap water efficiently.
Tonga Meteorology will renew a drought analysis at the end of every month, together with the normal Rainfall Outlook until the current and emerging drought conditions cease.
SOURCE: TONGA WIRES/PACNEWS
