Sept 21, 2006Cyclone season is approaching in the South Pacific and for many island nations it may be a rough one, says National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research (Niwa) scientist Jim Salinger.
"We are likely to see above average numbers of tropical cyclones in several parts of the South Pacific," Dr Salinger said today.
Island nations to the east of the dateline, such as Fiji and Tonga, will be most heavily affected.
It is unlikely any cyclones will reach New Zealand, although areas such as Gisborne and Northland may experience heavy rains and strong winds as a result of Pacific cyclones.
Cyclone season extends from November to May.
Note: Gordon was MOST UNUSUAL as it remained a category one storm while it headed into the Azores. Rarely does a hurricane stay a hurricane and cross that region of the far eastern Atlantic. Last year, Tropical Storm Vince was the first tropical cyclone in weather history to ever hit the Iberian Peninsula, which includes the nations of Spain and Portugal.
