Met Service confirms system for Solomon Islands
BY JOHN HOUANIHAU
The Solomon Islands Meteorological Service (SIMS) has officially declared El Niño active for the Solomon Islands, warning that the country could experience below-normal rainfall and an increased risk of prolonged dry conditions through the remainder of 2026.
SIMS Director Alick Harurihu announced the declaration during a press conference yesterday, saying the latest climate analysis confirmed that El Niño is now underway across the Central Pacific region.
“SIMS, as I speak, has declared El Niño conditions for the Solomon Islands region. El Niño is currently underway in the Pacific or Central Pacific region based on the latest analysis conducted,” Mr Harurihu said.
He said the current El Niño condition is expected to persist from June until December 2026, although meteorologists will continue to monitor developments through monthly climate updates.
Harurihu explained that El Niño occurs when ocean and atmospheric conditions in the Central Pacific meet specific criteria, particularly involving warmer-than-average sea surface temperatures and changes in atmospheric pressure patterns.
He explained that weakened trade winds allow sea surface temperatures in the Central Pacific to rise above normal levels, creating conditions that trigger the El Niño phenomenon.
“What it means for Solomon Islands is that we expect below-normal rainfall. If these conditions continue for an extended period, we could experience a longer dry season that may eventually lead to drought conditions,” he said.
However, Harurihu said that the declaration of El Niño does not automatically mean a drought is occurring.
“It is simply an indication that we are expecting rainfall deficiencies. Drought develops only if those low-rainfall conditions persist over time,” he said.
He said one of the major concerns for authorities and stakeholders is the potential impact on water supplies, particularly for communities that depend heavily on rainwater harvesting and areas relying on limited water sources.
He said that Solomon Islands’ dry season typically runs from May to October, and forecasts suggest El Niño conditions are likely to continue through the end of the year.
“If the condition persists, we expect continued rainfall deficiencies and the impacts associated with prolonged dry conditions,” he said.
He urges the public not to panic, noting that while some areas have already experienced lower-than-normal rainfall, the most significant impacts are expected later in the year if El Niño conditions remain in place.
He said SIMS continues to monitor rainfall and climate indicators across the country through its nationwide network of weather stations and will provide regular updates as conditions evolve.
Photo credit: John Houanihau
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