Tonga
For the second week in a row, we will be hitting a country with a small landmass. Tonga lies in the south Pacific, a primarily coral island cluster that can only be described as a tropical paradise. The temperature oscillates only a hair, from the upper 70s to about 90 in their summer months, which in the southern hemisphere is December to April. Rain is more abundant in the north, towards the equator thanks to the ITCZ's constant presence. Their cyclone season is in their summer, from November to May. The threat for storms is real, though the common track for storms typically starts near Tonga before shifting away from the islands.
The Tonga Meteorological Service operates independently, unlike many Pacific Island nations, though they do get data from other nations, including Fiji and the United States. As with many nations where the weather rarely changes dramatically, their site is dedicated primarily to climate. With things generally quiet for Tongans outside of a stray cyclone, the primary role of the TMS is aviation forecasting for any air traffic moving in or out of the country.
May 12th, 2010 - 01:41
Thanks for exposure and the comments!!
Just like to add that all 6 of our meteorological stations are manual (operated by humans) and are located at the 6 airports in Tonga. 65% of our work is towards aviation and the rest to public forecasts, Marine forecasts and climate. The Tonga Met Service is also responsible for tsunami warnings and for Coast Radio Surveillance. Weather Observations and reporting in Tonga started in 1929 although data is only available from 1944. There 28 staff. 6 Forecasters, 3 Climate Officers, 6 Coast Radio Operators and 13 Meteorological Observers. The Head Office is located at Fua’amotu International Airport on the main island of Tongatapu.
(see http://www.met.gov.to for further information)
keep up good work!!
best regards
‘Ofa Fa’anunu
Director Tonga Met Services