All About Mauritius Cyclones
Cyclones
Mauritius Cyclones
Nestled in the heart of the Indian Ocean, Mauritius is occasionally in the path of nature's powerful phenomena - cyclones. Our dedicated page is designed to provide you with comprehensive and accurate cyclone tracking, forecasts, and news, ensuring your safety and preparedness. Leveraging advanced meteorological data and local insights, we bring you real-time updates on cyclone developments, including trajectory, intensity, and potential impacts on Mauritius.
Our goal is to empower you with knowledge and tools to navigate cyclone season with confidence. Stay informed with Mauritius-Life.com, where safety and community come first in facing the challenges posed by cyclones.
CYCLONES -
A WAY OF LIFE
What's the difference between cyclones, hurricanes, typhoons?
They are all the same thing, they just have different names depending on where in the world you come from.
Over the years I've lived here, the threat of cyclones and anti-cyclones (the difference explained below) during the cyclone season between mid-December through March, has become the 'norm'. In fact, as I write this section into the website, Mauritius has just had cyclone Emnati where the highest gusts recorded were 133km/h in Champ de Mars, north of the island. This took place over the weekend and reached a level of class 4 (out of 5) in severity and only three weeks since the previous cyclone Batsirai, another class 4 passing close to the north of the island.
As discussed in the 'Climate' section of our topics, the seasons in Mauritius are as follows. According to the Met Office, Mauritius temperatures rarely fall below 17 °C, or exceed 31 °C, however, Mauritius has some very humid months and above-average humidity throughout the year. The least humid month is September (68.8% relative humidity), and the most humid month is February (76.8%).
CYCLONE
PREPARATION
When staying in a hotel in Mauritius during a cyclone, rest assured that the establishment is well-equipped to handle such situations. Guests will be well taken care of and receive regular updates from the hotel staff regarding the meteo cyclone. For those lodging in an Airbnb or self-catering accommodations, it's common to find that many properties in Mauritius are equipped with storm shutters and generators to mitigate the effects of power outages.
To further prepare for a cyclone in Mauritius, consider the following precautions:
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Ensure doors and windows are secured.
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Keep a portable, battery-powered lamp, candles, and matches within easy reach.
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Have a list of essential contact numbers handy, including local contacts and neighbors, and do not hesitate to reach out to them in emergencies.
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Stock up on enough fresh water, canned goods, bread, biscuits, cheese, and fresh milk.
Having faced several cyclones, I've observed that the resilience of Mauritius and its people is remarkable. Cyclones are integrated into the island's way of life, with ample warning provided to secure properties and safeguard residents. The community's swift response in clearing debris and returning to normalcy post-cyclone is a testament to their preparedness and resilience.
CYCLONE HISTORY
There is a long history of cyclones in Mauritius with some of earliest recording going back to the early 1800s. With there being too many to list and most not being very intense the top 12 strongest to date where:
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16th Jan 2024 - Severe Tropical Storm Belal - Over Mauritius - 120 km/h gusts Category 3
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20th Feb 2023 - Tropical Cyclone Freddy - Over Mauritius - 256Km/h -Category 5
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20th Feb 2022 - Tropical Cyclone Emnati - 213Km/h - Category 4
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5th Feb 2022 - Tropical Cyclone Batsirai - 230Km/h - Category 4
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22nd Jan 2002 - Very Intense Tropical Cyclone Dina - 30Km North - 228Km/h gusts
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11th Feb 1994 - Intense Cyclone Hollanda - 20km NW - 216Km/h gusts
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13th Mar 1980 - Intense Cyclone Laure - 30Km NE - 201Km/h gusts
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23rd Dec 1979 - Intense Cyclone Claudette - Over Mauritius - 221Km/h gusts
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5th Feb 1975 - Intense Cyclone Gervaise - Over Mauritius - 280Km/h gusts
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28th Feb 1962 - Intense Cyclone Jenny - 30Km North - 235Km/h gusts
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29th Feb 1960 - Intense Cyclone Carol - Over Mauritius - 256Km/h gusts
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20th Jan 1960 - Intense Cyclone Alix - 30K, off Port Louis - 200Km/h gusts
For the most current and comprehensive list of cyclones in Mauritius for the year 2024, it is advisable to regularly check updates from the local meteorological services. This will provide you with detailed information on any cyclones expected to affect the area, ensuring you stay informed and prepared for any weather events on the island. You will find the links further down this page.
DIFFERENCE BETWEEN CYCLONE AND ANTICYCLONE
CYCLONE
A cyclone is an area of low pressure where air masses meet and rise.
It indicates bad weather, like rain and clouds.
Winds in a cyclone blow counterclockwise in the Northern Hemisphere and clockwise in the Southern Hemisphere.
In a cyclone, air near the ground is pushed toward the low-pressure centre of the cyclone and then rises upward, expanding and cooling as it moves.
As it cools, the rising air becomes more humid, leading to cloudiness and high humidity within the cyclone.
Anticyclone
An anticyclone is an area of high pressure where air moves apart and sinks.
It indicates fair weather
Winds in an anticyclone blow clockwise in the Northern Hemisphere and counterclockwise in the Southern Hemisphere
Air at the centre of an anticyclone is forced away from its area of high pressure and replaced by a downward blast of air from higher altitudes.
The air compresses and heats up as it moves downward, reducing its humidity and leading to fewer clouds within the anticyclone.
DIFFERENCE BETWEEN CYCLONE, HURRICANE, AND TYPHOON
The terms "hurricane" and "typhoon" are regional names for tropical cyclones. All tropical cyclones are alike in that they draw heat from warm water at the ocean's surface to power horizontal, rotating wind.
Although similar in size, tropical cyclones have a different energy source than synoptic cyclones, which are storm systems that draw their energy from weather fronts and jet streams.
Over the Atlantic and East Pacific, tropical cyclones are commonly called "hurricanes." The common term is "typhoon" for a tropical cyclone that forms in the West Pacific. Tropical cyclones are called just "cyclones" in the Indian Ocean and near Australia.
CYCLONE
SEASON IN MAURITIUS
The cyclone season in Mauritius is a period marked by the potential for tropical storms, which on average, affect the region approximately five times annually. These cyclones, originating from the southern Indian Ocean, bring with them strong winds, significant rainfall, and towering waves. The timing of the cyclone season in Mauritius is closely linked to the summer monsoon, with the most intense storms typically forming in the months leading up to (May to June) and following (October to November) this period. These conditions are propelled by a mix of warm sea temperatures, elevated humidity, and conducive atmospheric circumstances.
Regarding the specific timing of when cyclones hit Mauritius, the island is most vulnerable to these tropical storms during the summer months, spanning from November to April. The likelihood of cyclones increases during the peak phase of the season, from mid-December to March, coinciding with higher sea temperatures. The official cyclone season in Mauritius commences on the 15th of November and concludes on the 15th of May, highlighting the period when the island is most susceptible to the impacts of cyclones.
CYCLONES, KEEPING UPDATED
Stay Informed with the Latest Cyclone Updates
Mauritius, a jewel in the Indian Ocean, is no stranger to the whims of nature, particularly cyclones. Understanding the importance of timely and accurate cyclone updates is crucial for both residents and visitors. This guide serves as an indispensable resource for tracking cyclone movements, ensuring your safety and preparedness during these natural events.
The Importance of Accurate Cyclone Information
Cyclones can bring about significant changes in weather conditions, affecting daily life and potentially causing damage to property. Having access to real-time and accurate cyclone updates is vital. It allows individuals and authorities to take necessary precautions, minimize damage, and safeguard lives.
Mauritius Meteorological Services: Your Go-To Source
The Mauritius Meteorological Services is at the forefront of providing reliable and timely cyclone updates. Utilizing advanced satellite technology and weather forecasting models, the service offers comprehensive information on cyclone formations near Mauritius, their trajectories, intensity, and potential impact on the island.
Real-Time Cyclone Tracking
Stay ahead with real-time cyclone tracking features that offer detailed maps and satellite images. These tools are indispensable for understanding the cyclone's current position and projected path, aiding in effective planning and response.
Mauritius Cyclone News: Stay Updated
For the latest news and updates on cyclones affecting Mauritius, the Mauritius Cyclone News section is your trusted source. From early warnings to post-cyclone analyses, get all the information you need to stay informed and prepared.
CYCLONE APPLICATION TRACKER
During Mauritius's cyclone season, staying updated with the latest weather conditions is crucial for safety and planning. Applications like Windy.com and PredictWind.com offer unparalleled advantages for residents and visitors alike. Windy.com provides detailed, real-time data on weather patterns, specifically tailored for cyclone tracking in Mauritius. Its user-friendly interface displays comprehensive information, including wind speed, direction, and cyclone paths, enabling users to make informed decisions quickly.
PredictWind.com, on the other hand, specialises in highly accurate wind forecasts, which are essential during the unpredictable cyclone season in Mauritius. The application combines sophisticated modeling with local weather data, offering predictions that are invaluable for both maritime and land-based activities.
Both Windy.com and PredictWind.com stand out for their precision and reliability. Using these applications during Mauritius's cyclone season ensures that individuals have access to the latest meteorological information. This not only aids in emergency preparedness but also helps in planning day-to-day activities, minimizing the disruption caused by cyclonic weather. In essence, Windy.com and PredictWind.com are indispensable tools for weather resilience in Mauritius, providing peace of mind in the face of nature's unpredictability.
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