Unsual rainy periods to prevail

 PARTS of the country are experiencing “unusual rainy periods” because of the delay in the El Nino season, the National Weather Office says.

NWS acting director Jimmy Gomoga said: The “drizzling rains” experienced in the Southern region, Morobe, Milne Bay and parts of the New Guinea Islands was due to changes in the temperature of ocean surface.

He said the rains were unusual because around this time of the year the ocean surfaces in the Eastern and Central Pacific should be cooler bringing in dry South-easterly winds and creating drier conditions in most parts of the country.

Gomoga said, instead, the sea surfaces are still warmer allowing a bit of rain. 

“There is drizzling rain in some parts of the country but it will end and we will be expecting dry season between August and September,” he said.

“Places like Gulf, Milne Bay, East and West Britain and Morobe are experiencing rains and strong winds.”

Gomoga spoke on the weather pattern in light of the heavy rain and flooding experienced in the Gulf and Southern Highlands provinces over the past few weeks.

Morobe, including Lae, were experiencing continuous rainy periods for the past three weeks.

“The wind speed is between 25-33knots and the sea level for coastal waters in these areas would be around 1.5-2.5m,” Gomoga said.

He urged all boat operators in the affected areas to seek weather advice before travelling out to sea.