As the Cook Islands weathered what was initially anticipated to be a more severe storm, Tropical Cyclone Pita, formerly a Category 1 storm, unexpectedly downgraded and spared the islands from major impacts.

In an interview with Cook Islands News, Meteorological Service director Maara Vaiimene explained why the cyclone, which had been closely monitored both locally and internationally, didn’t intensify as expected.

As of Monday night, the system was located to the far east of Mangaia and was moving southeast of the island.

The ex-Tropical Cyclone Pita, which generated some concern, was downgraded to a tropical low on Saturday, January 11, at 5am.

According to Vaiimene, the cyclone did not develop further due to two key factors.

“The fast movement of the Tropical Cyclone at 35 km/h and in a location where Sea Surface Temperatures (SST) did not favour further development as the TC had gradually moved into cooler waters,” he explained.

While there were initial expectations for the cyclone to strengthen, the environmental conditions were simply not conducive for intensification.

Although it had the potential to cause more disruption, Vaiimene highlighted the importance of the community’s response to weather warnings.

“The positive response from the community to the weather warnings and ongoing collaboration between core agencies such as EMCI and Police in ensuring the safety of the community were key in reducing the risks of damage, despite the cyclone’s weakening.”

With the official cyclone season running until the end of April, Vaiimene urged the public to remain vigilant, especially as the peak of the season approaches.

“January to March is the peak of the cyclone season, therefore the Met Office will continue to monitor our weather during this time.”

He also added that the potential for tropical cyclone activity in the Cook Islands’ Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) in the next three to five days remains “low”.

In addition to monitoring storms, Vaiimene emphasised the importance of community engagement in educating the public on weather phenomena.

“One of the Met Service’s objectives is an opportunity for community engagement, where we can share and learn from the community on the effectiveness and understanding of the words used in these bulletins, such as ‘Trough of Low Pressure’.”

Looking ahead, Vaiimene noted the continuing presence of an active cloud band over the Southern and Northern Cook Islands, with a southerly wind change bringing a welcome drop in temperatures and relief from the high humidity levels experienced during the Christmas period.

He said that they will continue to monitor developments and reminded the community to stay alert as the cyclone season is still in full swing.