Cook Islands Meteorological Service staff will be at work throughout the Christmas holidays, ensuring that our community stays informed about the ever-changing weather conditions.

The country is in the cyclone season which runs from November to April. The risk of tropical cyclone activity for the Southern Cook Islands is “reduced” and “unlikely” for the Northern Cook Islands, according to New Zealand's National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research (NIWA).

According to the Meteorological Service, the latest tropical cyclone outlook for the Cook Islands is that there are “no existing tropical cyclones” within the area.

The outlook of a tropical cyclone formation for the next five days is “very low”.

Cook Islands Meteorological Service director Maara Vaiimene said the Fiji Meteorological Service issues a five-day outlook on current status in relation to any “Tropical Cyclone Activity” within their area of responsibility and Cook Islands being one area.

“These outlooks are updated and published on a weekly basis alongside the area of responsibility map,” said Vaiimene.  

These statements are posted online on the Cook Islands Meteorological Service Facebook page for the community to be informed, and are presented in two ways – the current status and outlook.

Yesterday, the Cook Islands Meteorological Service posted on Facebook that there are no existing tropical cyclones from December 24-28, 2024. Their outlook for the next five days (December 24-28) indicates a very low likelihood of tropical cyclone formation in the region.

“The potential for the formation of a Tropical Cyclone in the region is very low,” Vaiimene reiterated.

As Christmas day approaches, many of us look forward to celebrating with family and friends. However, it is important to remember that not everyone gets to take a break during the holidays.

The dedicated Cook Islands Meteorological Service staff will be at work throughout the Christmas holidays, ensuring that our community stays informed about the ever-changing weather conditions.

While most of us enjoy our time off, these essential workers continue to monitor and report on the weather, providing crucial updates that help us keep safe and prepare.

If you are driving past the weather station at the seawall on Christmas Day, the staff would welcome a Merry Christmas toot as you drive by.

Follow the Cook Islands Meteorological Service Facebook page for their entertaining weather updates.

Other essential workers who diligently work throughout the festive period include our nurses, doctors, ambulance drivers, police, and firefighters, who perform vital roles in our community at this time.