Cold temperatures recorded, Henderson hits 20 degrees

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Several parts of Solomon Islands continue to experience unusually cool temperatures, with Henderson recording a minimum of 20 degrees Celsius this morning.

Deputy Director of the Solomon Islands Meteorological Service, Eddie Maru, told SBMOnline that low temperatures were also recorded at weather observation stations in Honiara, Munda and Lata.

According to the latest observations, Henderson Airport recorded a minimum temperature of 20°C at 8am, while the Honiara Meteorological Observation Office recorded 21°C.

Munda recorded 22.5°C, while Lata also recorded 22.5°C.

Mr Maru said the cooler temperatures being experienced across the country are consistent with Solomon Islands’ dry or winter season.

“From a climatological perspective, Solomon Islands is located in the Southern Hemisphere. The period from May to October is our winter or dry season,” he explained.

“Because we are in the tropics, temperatures cannot be negative or fall below zero. However, we can expect lower temperatures during the months of June, July, August and September.”

Solomon Islands generally experiences two distinct seasons—a wet season from November to April and a dry season from May to October.

Mr Maru said the current cooler conditions are also being influenced by a large high-pressure system located over the Tasman Sea, between Australia and the northern waters of New Zealand.

He explained that the high-pressure system is pushing southeast trade winds, carrying colder air from subtropical regions and higher latitudes near New Zealand waters, towards Solomon Islands and other neighbouring Pacific countries.