In a press conference held yesterday afternoon in Vacoas, the Acting Director of the Mauritius Meteorological Services, Dr Prithiviraj Booneeady, gave a rundown of the summer outlook 2024-2025 for the Republic, with the objective of keeping the public informed and prepared for the upcoming season. Summer season in Mauritius, Rodrigues, Agalega and St Brandon is from 1 November to 30 April of the following year.
Dr Booneeady thus provided important updates on possible rainfall patterns, temperature trends, and cyclone activity. Hence, the onset of summer rain is expected to be slightly delayed, and is forecasted during the second fortnight of December 2024. The cumulative rainfall from November 2024 to April 2025 for Mauritius is projected at about 1,100 millimetres, representing around 80% of normal levels. For Rodrigues, the cumulative rainfall during summer will be around 85% of the normal, amounting to about 600 mm.
The Acting Director also informed that the winter season had been marked by a significan
t drought, although there were indications suggesting that the peak of this drought had ended. He pointed out that in October 2024, substantial rainfall was recorded, reaching approximately 140% of expected levels by the second fortnight.
Regarding temperature trends, Dr Booneeady explained that there had been a rise by 2 to 3°C compared to historical averages due to global warming. He highlighted that for the forthcoming season, temperatures would be slightly above the normal. For Mauritius, on certain days, it is likely that temperatures will exceed the long-term monthly average by more than 2 to 3°C, resulting in maximum temperatures reaching 35°C during the day along the western coasts. In Rodrigues, maximum temperatures during the day may reach 33°C along coastal areas.
As for cyclone activity, Dr Booneeady averred that it was projected to be slightly elevated, with expectations of 11 to 13 formations in the southwest Indian Ocean, though not all were expected to impact Mauritius directly.
In light of
these forecasts, the Acting Director recommended precautions for the upcoming months, particularly during the warmer and more humid conditions expected from December 2024 to March 2025. Emphasising the health risks associated with heat stress, he underlined the importance of staying hydrated and ensuring proper ventilation. Additionally, he stressed the risk of heavy rains causing flash floods, and of cyclones, requiring awareness and preparedness.
Government Information Service, Prime Minister’s Office, Level 6, New Government Centre, Port Louis, Mauritius. Email: [email protected] Website: https://gis.govmu.org Mobile App: Search Gov
Source: Government of Mauritius