For some South Pacific countries east of the date line the chances of tropical cyclone activity are higher than normal for the November 2002–January 2003 period, according to NIWA climate scientist Dr Jim Salinger.
“Pacific Island countries with increased risk over this period are Wallis and Futuna, Samoa, Tokelau, Niue and the southern Cook Islands” he said. “Tropical cyclones are still very likely about and west of the date line, but a lower than normal frequency of occurrence is expected.”