2024/2025 TC Outlook for the Solomon Islands Region
Tropical Cyclone Outlook 2024-2025 for the Solomon Islands Region
Date: 1st November 2024
Tropical Cyclone Outlook issued by the Solomon Islands Meteorological Services (SIMS) for the Solomon Islands region with associated preparedness advisories. Summary statement
About 2 to 3 tropical cyclone events are expected for the upcoming cyclone season (i.e., 01st November 2024 to 30th April 2025) also referred to as the wet season for the Solomon Islands region (see map below).
Figure 1. Predicted number of TCs for the Solomon Islands and each of the Pacific Island Countries EEZ for the 2024/25 cyclone season (Source: NIWA)
Climatology of Tropical Cyclones in the Solomon Islands.
Sea Surface Temperatures (SST) are currently warmer than average in the southwest Pacific, aligning with the current La Niña Watch condition in the Tropical Pacific. During a La Niña event, this typically shifts the South Pacific Convergence Zone (SPCZ) southwest of its usual position. Both the El Niño Southern Oscillation (ENSO) and the Madden-Julian Oscillation (MJO), in combination with the SPCZ, play a significant role
2024/2025 TC Outlook for the Solomon Islands Region
in influencing tropical cyclone development and intensity. According to the latest rainfall outlook, wetter-than-normal conditions are expected in the upcoming season.
For the recent cyclone season (2023/2024), 1 to 2 TCs were predicted for the Solomon Islands region. By the end of the season, it happened that two TCs were observed, namely TC Mal formed near Anuta Island on November 13, 2023 and TC Jasper southeast of Western Province on December 5, 2023. Note that, TC Lola was also recorded in October 2023 to emphasize the fact that cyclones may also form outside the cyclone season.
Disaster preparedness
Significant damage and impacts can occur even without a severe tropical cyclone. During this cyclone and wet season, it is crucial for all stakeholders and communities to stay prepared and vigilant for potential hazards such as:
- Heavy rainfall
- Strong winds
- Dangerous marine conditions, including very rough seas, storm surges, and coastal flooding
The expected wetter-than-normal conditions this season may increase the risk of flash flooding in low-lying areas. Residents near rivers should be prepared to move to higher grounds, while those living on or near hilltops should take precautions against potential landslides.
Residents near coastal areas should also take precautions against storm surges and high swells that could lead to coastal flooding.
Please stay tuned to SIBC, FM stations, and other media outlets for updates from SIMS and what to do information from the National Disaster Management Office (NDMO), and be sure to share this information with individuals with disabilities.
2024/2025 TC Outlook for the Solomon Islands Region
Our emergency contacts are:
Solomon Islands Meteorological Service – 933 or 27658
National Disaster Management Office – 933 or 27658
Police Operation Centre – 999 or 23666
Search and Rescue – 977 or 21609
or visit
website: www.met.gov.sb,
SIMS Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/groups/446338275423363
Contact details
For more information on this topic, please contact the Director, David Hiriasia at the Solomon Islands Meteorological Services on:
Phone: 20332
Email: david.hiba@met.gov.sb