The first tropical cyclone of the season has formed in the Southwest Pacific weeks before the usual start of the cyclone season, prompting warnings for communities in parts of the region to prepare for potential severe weather.
According to a report by Stuff, NIWA Weather confirmed on Saturday that Tropical Cyclone Wati had developed earlier in the day.
The Southwest Pacific cyclone season typically runs from November to April. While Wati’s early formation is unusual, it is not unprecedented.
NIWA warned that the cyclone could bring heavy rain, strong winds and rough seas to parts of the Pacific, including the Cook Islands. Flooding and disruption to travel and marine activities were also possible, Stuff has reported.
Communities in potentially affected areas have been urged to monitor weather forecasts and follow advice from their local meteorological services.
NIWA confirmed that Wati posed no threat to New Zealand.
The cyclone formed shortly after NIWA, MetService and Pacific partners released their 2026/27 Southwest Pacific Tropical Cyclone Outlook earlier this week. The outlook forecasts normal to above-normal cyclone activity in parts of the region during the coming season, as reported by Stuff.
NIWA said Wati’s early arrival served as a timely reminder for Pacific communities to prepare for the upcoming cyclone season.
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