August 2024: A Rare Respite from the Chill – Unpacking the Unusually Mild Month
August 2024 Weather Report: Mauritius Experiences Third Driest Month in 20 Years
The latest monthly report from the Mauritius Meteorological Services reveals that August 2024 was the third driest month in twenty years, with a rainfall of 61 mm, accounting for only 56% of the average for that particular month.
The High Plains received 105 liters of rainwater per square meter, while the northern part of the island received 73% of its quota in blue gold.
Rainfall Data for August 2024
| Station | Rainfall (mm) | Average (mm) | % of Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| Canon Tip | 64 | 62 | 103% |
| Coral Flats | 40 | 50 | 80% |
| Citronella | 65 | 111 | 77% |
| Indeed | 57 | 62 | 92% |
The temperature in Plaisance was 0.4°C warmer, while in central Vacoas, it was almost normal.
A weak La Nina is forecasted from October 2024, with the Indian Ocean Dipole and the South Indian Ocean Dipole expected to be neutral, resulting in a temperature difference of ±0.4°C between the western and eastern parts of the basin.
The low-pressure anomaly has returned to the Indian Ocean, and as a result, the rain is expected to be below average, ranging from 55-60 mm.