Weather office predicts more wet weather, especially in Highlands

By MICHAEL LAI
PARTS of the country, especially in the highlands, are experiencing rain with more expected in the coming days and weeks, an official says.
PNG Weather Service director Samuel Maiha said the dry weather in other parts of the country would end soon.
“The dry weather is uneven. Some parts of the country are experiencing dry spell while others have rain,” he said.
“The Papua region had little rain. Western and islands in the Eastern Milne Bay are expected to receive rain this month.
“This will completely neutralise the dry weather.
“More rain is expected in February and March.”
Maiha said meanwhile yam, taro, banana and cabbage could be affected by the current dry weather.
“This may happen in the parts of Western, Gulf, Central, Milne
Bay, National Capital District and Central because the dry condition will continue until January,” he said.
Highlands, Momase and New Guinea Islands are experiencing rain.
Maiha said the National Weather Service had a good satellite-based monitoring system.
“But a weather station is needed in at least each district to record the exact amount of rainfall, temperature, and moisture on a daily basis,” said Maiha.
He said an Automatic Weather Station (AWS) should be set up in the 89 districts.
It measures rainfall, temperature and moisture in remote areas.
“The AWS will tell us the exact amount of rainfall we collect on the ground,” he said. “It will help us to prove the information collected from the satellite and adjust for best weather forecast.”
“It will help us prepare in advance for disaster reduction for better aviation, marine, water, energy, tourism, transport infrastructure and planning.
“It is vital for overall monitoring of the climate including climate impacts and climate change.”