MORE RAINFALL EXPECTED IN FIRST QUARTER OF 2025

THE National Weather Center has announced that more rainfall is expected in the country during the first quarter of 2025.

This is due to the ongoing La Niña conditions, where sea surface temperatures in the central and eastern Pacific Ocean are cooler than average.

La Niña began in December 2024, and this has already caused heavy rainfall, particularly in Port Moresby, which recorded more rain than other provinces.

December 2024 was one of the wettest months, with significant floods in the Highlands, Morobe, and the National Capital District (NCD).

According the the Weather Service, rainfall forecast for the first quarter of 2025 shows that the New Guinea Islands, Highlands, and MOMASE regions are expected to receive below-average rainfall.

During this wet season, there is a risk of flooding, soil erosion, landslides, and an increase in waterborne diseases.

Weather Service now has advise the public to stay alert and follow any warnings issued from their office.

Meanwhile, the tropical cyclone season is still active in January. Last week the Tropical Cyclone Pita became the first cyclone of the season.

It brought severe weather to Niue and the Cook Islands.

However, the Assistant Director of the National Weather Service, Kasis Inape, reassured the public that there is no threat to PNG at this time.