Solomon Islands forecasts two to three tropical cyclones for the 2026/2027 season as communities are urged to prepare.

The Solomon Islands Meteorological Service (SIMS) is forecasting two to three tropical cyclones in the Solomon Islands region during the 2026/2027 cyclone season.

The cyclone season runs from 1 November 2026 to 30 April 2027.

According to the SIMS seasonal outlook, an El Niño event is currently underway, with below-normal rainfall expected during the season. This means some parts of the country may continue to experience drier conditions than usual, even as the wet season approaches.

Speaking to the media during the 7th Solomon Islands Climate Outlook Forum in Honiara this week, Director of Meteorology Alick Haruhiru said the coming cyclone season could present challenges, making it important for communities to prepare.

“It is going to be a challenging one, especially considering the weather events that are coming up and how people will prepare for them,” he said.

Haruhiru said below-normal rainfall was likely to continue through November and December, despite the approaching wet season.

“The El Niño event is still underway, and the wet season is coming up. That is something everyone should be well prepared for,” he said.

The forecast is similar to the previous 2025/2026 cyclone season, when SIMS also predicted two to three tropical cyclones in the Solomon Islands region.

Haruhiru said communities needed to prepare for both dry and wet conditions, including the possibility of tropical cyclones.

“We must prepare for both events, the dry and wet seasons. What we have now is an expectation of rainfall to replenish the hydrological cycle, but there is also a risk that we need to consider.

“If a tropical cyclone occurs or a low-pressure system develops into a Category Two or Three system, that would not be good for us. It could add to the impacts on the ground, particularly in areas already affected by low rainfall,” he said.

Tropical cyclones can bring strong winds, heavy rain, flooding and dangerous sea conditions. These can damage homes, affect roads and infrastructure, and put people’s lives and livelihoods at risk.

SIMS has clarified that the forecast of two to three cyclones applies to the wider Solomon Islands region. It does not mean all the predicted cyclones will cross over or make landfall in the country.

Haruriru said the immediate priority was to ensure the public understood the seasonal outlook and took the necessary precautions.

“From the Meteorology Service, the least we can do now is get everybody aware of the outlook and encourage them to take seriously the weather events that are coming up,” he said.

SIMS is advising households to prepare by checking and securing their homes, keeping emergency supplies ready, identifying safe places to go during severe weather and protecting important documents.

Families are also encouraged to check on elderly people, children and persons with disabilities as part of their household and community preparedness plans.

People living in coastal and river communities should pay attention to official weather warnings and be ready to move to safer locations when advised by authorities.

SIMS and the National Disaster Management Office are urging the public to follow official updates and take safety advice seriously throughout the cyclone season.

With two to three tropical cyclones forecast for the region, communities are encouraged to prepare early and remain alert throughout the season.