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.

The total rainfall up to 9am yesterday was 67 millimetres, and out of the week’s rainfall, the highest amount recorded was 28mm on April 7.

Vaiimene said these rainfalls were measured at the weather office, adding other areas around Rarotonga would have received a substantial amount.

He said the concentrated rainfall was due to an active cloud band moving from Samoa towards the Southern Cook Islands.

“A slow moving high pressure system moving from New Zealand lying to the south of the Southern Cooks prevented the cloud band to continue moving east away from the Southern Cook Islands.”

Vaiimene said Mangaia would also be affected by this active cloud band “and therefore can expect high rainfall for the upcoming days (if not already)”.

He also said relative humidity recorded during the week has been high, leading to an increased chance of continued rainfall.

“It is expected the rainy weather will continue for the remainder of the week.”