Tonga records coldest temperature in 30 years, locals pictured in scarves and jackets

Tonga is more used to temperatures in the 20s and 30s. Image / Google

Tonga has recorded its coldest temperature in almost 30 years - just 1 degree warmer than Stewart Island today.

Locals have been pictured in jackets, puffer vests and scarves in the past few days. One couple told a local newspaper they had started wearing up to four layers of clothing because of the cold.

On Sunday, a low of 9.3C was recorded in Lapaha, about 25km from the island kingdom’s capital city, Nuku’alofa, on the main island of Tongatapu. Stewart Island was 8C just before 8.30am today.

It is the coldest temperature since 8.7C was recorded on September 10, 1994, truly teeth-chattering for a Pacific Island used to temperatures in the mid-20s and early 30s.

More blankets for hospital patients and prisoners

Matangi Tonga reported that the Tonga Meteorological Services said of the unusually chilly weather: “Nights are unusually cooler now and climate is leaning towards El Nino conditions”.

“We have seen this colder night-time temperature for the last four to six weeks and have been experiencing below 12C, which is not common during normal winter seasons.”

TRCS answers a call for support from our Psychiatric Ward in Vaiola Hospital during this cold winter season with the need for more blankets for their patients. 🤝🏼#StayWarmThisWinter #humanitarianaid pic.twitter.com/wGavPRTExk

— Tonga Red Cross (@TongaRedCross) August 2, 2023

The Tongan Red Cross also stepped in to help provide extra blankets for patients at the main Vaiola Hospital.

Tonga’s royal family also supplied extra blankets for prisoners at the Hu’atolitoli Prison.

There is an El Nino alert in Tonga today and temperature highs of between 23C and 29C.

Overnight lows are between 18C to 23C and a number of places have strong wind warnings.