Weather
Cook Islands to benefit from new climate data project
Friday 26 April 2024 | Written by Supplied | Published in National, Weather
Cook Islands will be one of the major beneficiaries of a new project, called Digital Earth Pacific, being developed to capture extensive satellite information about climate change and natural disasters in the region.
Northern Cooks hit by dry spell, southern group could be next
Friday 19 April 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in National, Weather
Cook Islands’ northern islands faced dry conditions last month, while the south may experience similar dryness in April-June and the north could see wet weather.
April rainfall sets record, exceeding March total
Wednesday 17 April 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in National, Weather
Rainfall recorded in Rarotonga last week from April 7 to 12 was 135 millimetres, exceeding March’s monthly total of 119mm.
Rainy days ahead for Rarotonga as active cloud band lingers
Wednesday 10 April 2024 | Written by CI News Staff | Published in National, Weather
The recent heavy downpour experienced in Rarotonga is due to an active cloud band moving towards the Southern Cook Islands, says Maara Vaiimene, director of the Cook Islands Meteorological Service.
Penrhyn catches a glimpse of near-total eclipse despite cloudy skies
Tuesday 9 April 2024 | Written by CI News Staff | Published in National, Weather
Some lucky Penrhyn residents witnessed a near-total solar eclipse despite cloudy weather, while Rarotonga residents missed their partial eclipse due to rain.
Marine biologist says El Nino may be behind Penrhyn Island fish kill
Thursday 4 April 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in National, Outer Islands, Weather
Hundreds of milkfish were found dead in a pond in Penrhyn Island, possibly due to a combination of low pressure, heat and lack of oxygen in the water caused by El Nino, says a marine biologist.
Vaiimene appointed new director of Cook Islands Meteorological Service
Wednesday 3 April 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in National, Weather
Former senior meteorological observer Maara Vaiimene has been appointed the new director of the Cook Islands Meteorological Service. Vaiimene commenced the top role on March 25.
Mass milkfish die-off in Penrhyn raises concerns
Wednesday 3 April 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Environment, Local, National, Outer Islands, Weather
Residents of Penrhyn island are investigating the cause of a large die-off of milkfish in a local fish pond, suspecting it is related to recent extreme heat and low oxygen levels in the water.
Cook Islands Met Service staff bolster climate knowledge through workshop
Tuesday 2 April 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in National, Weather
Cook Islands Meteorological Service staff were part of a successful climate information workshop held a week ago.
Temperature soars to 32.9°C as marine heatwave lingers
Monday 25 March 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in National, Weather
Cook Islands is experiencing its warmest weather of the year due to a marine heatwave, but the forecast predicts a return to normal weather patterns next month.
More rain expected for Rarotonga
Tuesday 12 March 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in National, Weather
Rarotonga is expected to experience more rain today, says the Cook Islands Meteorological Service.
Cook Islands weatherman Ngari retires after 40 years
Monday 26 February 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in National, Weather
Cook Islands weatherman Arona Ngari, who served as the director of the Meteorological Service for 40 years, was celebrated at a special farewell function on Thursday night.
Tropical depression brings rain, wind, and minor damage to Southern Cooks
Saturday 17 February 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in National, Outer Islands, Weather
Tropical depression brought heavy rain and strong winds to the Southern Cook Islands, causing minor damages and prompting school closures.
Rarotonga businesses ready to weather the storm
Friday 16 February 2024 | Written by Candice Luke | Published in Business, National, Weather
People, protocols and preparation were a key focus for businesses yesterday as gale force winds lashed the north eastern side of Rarotonga.
Rarotonga on alert, schools closed
Friday 16 February 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Education, Local, National, Outer Islands, Weather
A tropical depression affecting the Cook Islands group was forecast to intensify into a category one cyclone by this morning, triggering advisories from local authorities. This morning the Ministry of Education confirmed that all schools in Rarotonga are closed but it is business as usual for others.
Heed the warnings
Friday 16 February 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Local, National, Weather
Police have been asked to conduct regular patrols at the harbours to remove youth swimming around the area, says Emergency Management Cook Islands director John Strickland.
Aitutaki schools closed as tropical depression looms
Thursday 15 February 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Education, National, Outer Islands, Weather
Schools in Aitutaki have closed following reports of an approaching tropical depression, but Emergency Management Cook Islands says the system does not pose a threat ‘at this moment’.
Community rallies to bring power back to Pukapuka
Friday 9 February 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in National, Outer Islands, Weather
Pukapuka island was cut off from the world for four days due to no electricity and communication, but now has restored power thanks to a barge arrival despite challenges from rough weather.
Palmerston Island braces for impact as Cyclone Osai lingers
Thursday 8 February 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in National, Outer Islands, Weather
Southern Cook Islands remained under threat as Tropical Cyclone Osai circled closer to Palmerston Island yesterday afternoon.
Weather office monitors another tropical cyclone
Wednesday 7 February 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in National, Weather
As Tropical Cyclone Nat (NET) decreased to a category one and moved towards Tahiti yesterday, Cook Islands Meteorological Service is monitoring another tropical cyclone.
