The weekend and the beginning of next week are expected to experience brief showers due to an active cloud band approaching Rarotonga from the east.

Ma’ara Vaiimene, director of the Cook Islands Meteorological Service, explained that cloudy periods with occasional rain, heavy at times, will continue for the next few days.

Given the recent heavy rainfall in Rarotonga, the saturated ground increases the possibility of localised flooding, according to Vaiimene.

The hot and humid conditions in the past week and days are indications of onset rainy weather conditions.

“Currently, an active area of cloud band extending from Fiji to the west to just south of Tahiti to the east of Rarotonga, lies slow moving near the Southern Cooks moving north and south and has been in this position for the last few days and will continue to be in this location throughout the weekend and start of the new week from Monday 17^th,” Vaiimene explained yesterday.

Cook Islands’ current wet/summer/tropical cyclone season runs from November to April. February and March are normally the peak season for severe weather conditions, including more rainy days and fewer sunny days.

Climate drivers known as El Nino (dry conditions/less rainfall) and La Nina (wet conditions/more rainfall) affects the weather pattern during this time.

Vaiimene said: “During the year of 2024, we came through an El Nino like weather conditions with less rainfall more fine days, where Rarotonga experienced low water pressure more so in elevated areas.”

He explained that the 2025 climate outlook leans toward a weak La Nina phase starting in January, “and halfway through February have received a good amount of rainfall here on Rarotonga”.

“While the rain has been a blessing for most in terms of low water pressure, however it can be a problem in other areas,” Vaiimene said.

“Ensuring homes are safe in case of flooding, roadside drains are clear of rubbish not someone else’s responsibility but we as a community to do our part.”