Weather
Climate change top priority as UN strengthens Cook Islands partnership
Monday 17 February 2025 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Local, National, Weather
Cook Islands welcomed a partnership with the United Nations, whose representatives visited Rarotonga last week, to address critical issues, particularly climate change.
Rarotonga braces for more rain,flood risk
Saturday 15 February 2025 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in National, Weather
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.
Children’s books teach traditional knowledge of natural disasters
Friday 31 January 2025 | Written by Supplied | Published in Education, Local, National, Weather
A series of children’s books has been published to entertain and inspire children and families to rediscover and learn the value of traditional knowledge.
2024 sees hottest ocean temperature on record in Cook Islands waters
Wednesday 22 January 2025 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in National, Weather
The Sea Surface Temperature (SST) around the Cook Islands reached a scorching milestone in 2024, with a record-breaking high of 29.5°C in March, marking the hottest ocean temperature ever recorded since 1970.
A gust of laughter: Cook Islands Met Service uses humour to brighten up forecasts
Wednesday 15 January 2025 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in National, Weather
The Cook Islands Meteorological Service has been adding a dash of humour to its weather updates on Facebook, and the strategy is paying off.
Cool waters and fast movement cause ex-TC Pita to weaken, says Vaiimene
Wednesday 15 January 2025 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in National, Weather
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.
Tropical Cyclone Pita downgraded to a low pressure, strong winds and heavy rain continue
Saturday 11 January 2025 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in National, Weather
Cook Islands Meteorological Service has confirmed this morning that Tropical Cyclone Pita has now been downgraded to a low pressure.
Rough seas and high winds take a toll on Rarotonga businesses
Friday 10 January 2025 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in National, Weather
Businesses across Rarotonga are continuing to feel the impact of severe weather as strong winds, rough seas and periods of heavy rain persisted yesterday.
‘Low chance’ of tropical disturbance becoming a cyclone, says Met Office
Thursday 9 January 2025 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in National, Weather
Despite strong winds and heavy swells, the Cook Islands Meteorological Service has downplayed the likelihood of the current weather disturbance developing into a tropical cyclone.
Shutters up, spirits high despite the gusts
Thursday 9 January 2025 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in National, Weather
As strong winds continued to batter Rarotonga yesterday, families and businesses faced ongoing impacts from the extreme weather arising from a passing tropical disturbance.
Tropical disturbance to bring strong winds, rain to Rarotonga
Tuesday 7 January 2025 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in National, Weather
A tropical disturbance is expected to pass Rarotonga later today, bringing strong winds and rain, the Cook Islands Meteorological Service has advised.
Escaping the summer heat
Saturday 4 January 2025 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Local, National, Tourism, Weather
Many believe that the temperature this summer has been hotter than in previous years, leading families, including locals and tourists, to seek relief in the ocean.
Met Service staff on duty through Christmas
Tuesday 24 December 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in National, Weather
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.
Government partners with communities to improve safety shelters
Monday 23 December 2024 | Written by Supplied | Published in Local, National, Weather
Cook Islands Investment Corporation (CIIC) in collaboration with Emergency Management Cook Islands (EMCI), a division in the Office of the Prime Minister (OPM), has announced the commencement of the Rarotonga Safety Shelter Programme (RSSP).
Rarotonga residents urged to prepare for continued rain
Thursday 19 December 2024 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in Local, National, Weather
The rainy spell currently affecting Rarotonga is expected to continue throughout the weekend, according to the Cook Islands Meteorological Service.
Heavy rainfall brings relief to water crisis but cleanup efforts underway
Wednesday 18 December 2024 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Environment, National, Weather
The week of December 9 to December 15 saw significant rainfall across several islands in the Cook Islands, providing much-needed relief to the ongoing water crisis in Rarotonga.
Strong wind warnings remain in force
Saturday 14 December 2024 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in National, Weather
Strong winds and hazardous conditions continue to affect the Cook Islands, as a strong wind warning remains in effect for both the Northern and Southern groups.
Strong winds and damaging swells alert issued
Friday 13 December 2024 | Written by CI News Staff | Published in National, Weather
A strong wind warning and damaging heavy swell alert have been issued for all southern group islands, including Rarotonga.
Dry conditions fuel uncontrolled fires
Tuesday 26 November 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Local, National, Weather
An increase in uncontrolled rubbish fires, which pose a significant risk to public safety and the environment, is being exacerbated by the dry spell with windy conditions experienced in Rarotonga.
Reduced Risk of Tropical Cyclones
Saturday 9 November 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in National, Weather
There is reduced risk of tropical cyclones in the Cook Islands this cyclone season from November through to April, according to Cook Islands Meteorological Services (CIMS) director Maara Vaiimene.
