Windy, wet New Year forecast for Tonga

Posted On Matangi Tonga 

A wet and windy New Year is forecast for Tonga, as a slow moving low pressure system moves over the southern groups. A tropical depression called TD03F has the potential to turn into a Category 1 cyclone.

In a spot weather report at 1:00pm today, Sunday 30 December, the Fua'amotu Weather Forecasting Centre stated that a heavy rain warning and a flash flood advisory remained in force for all land areas of Vava'u, Ha'apai, Tongatapu and 'Eua.
A strong wind warning remained in force for Ha'apai, Tongatapu and 'Eua land areas.

“A trough of low pressure system lies slow moving over the group. Associated clouds with occasional rain and periods of strong winds will affect the group.”

Link to 1:00pm spot weather report

The Marine Weather bulletin warned that strong winds and heavy damaging swell was forecast for all coastal waters of Ha'apai, Tongatapu, 'Eua, Tele-ki-tonga and Tele-ki-tokelau.

The mean sea level pressure recorded at Fua'amotu airport at 01:00pm was 1004.7 millibars and the relative humidity was 81%.

New Year's day

The outlook for New Year's Day on Tuesday,

For Tongatapu, 'Eua, Tele-ki-tonga and Tele-ki-tokelau coastal waters:
East to southeast winds 15-20 knots, rising up to 25-30 knots at times.
Moderate to rough seas. A heavy damaging southerly swell.
Poor visibility in area of heavy rainfall and thunderstorms.

For the Niuas, Vava'u and Ha'apai coastal waters:
North to northeast winds 15-20 knots, rising up to 25-30 knots at times.
Moderate rough seas. A moderate to heavy southerly swell.
Poor visibility in area of heavy rainfall and thunderstorms.

Forecast in Graphics from RSMC NAdi Tropical Cyclone Warning Centre

RSMC Nadi Tropical Cyclone Warning Centre, 30 December 2018