Tonga is bracing for record low temperatures as the Pacific Island shivers through one of its coldest winters ever.
With a national record low of 8.7°C recorded in September 1994, the current cold snap is setting new levels amid Tonga’s changing climate patterns.
The Tonga Meteorological Services (TMS) records show that since June the average daily temperature of 16°C reached its lowest this year at the end of July with 9.3°C recorded at the Lapaha village weather station. August temperatures are expected to stay within that range.
TMS issued an El Niño Alert in July which told Tongans to prepare for cooler nights, less rainfall and more cyclones over the next months.
Petelo Taulaki, TMS Meteorologist, said that El Nino’s “dry and cold air characteristic intensifies during winter months.”

But the cold winter is not only an issue of low temperatures. People are noticing the effects of this unprecedented weather phenomenon.
Sixty-year old Fifita Kivalu who sells handicraft at the Nuku’alofa Talamahu market said, “It’s very cold now, colder than before. I must wear warm clothes always and cover my head to stay warm especially here at the market.”
“I’m used to mild winters, but this cold is unusual to what I’ve experienced; reminds me of winter temperatures in New Zealand and Australia,” said ‘Oto’ota Saula who runs a clothing shop at the Ma’ufanga flea market. “My warm wear, hoodies and jackets from Australia were sold out within a week.”
The effects of the cold weather are also felt by local businesses that are seeing a surge in demand for heating units, warm clothing, food and medicine and even causing shortages in stores.

“It’s a struggle to keep up with the rush of customers these past weeks,” said Tolini ‘Ete’atu, Highway Superette & Bakery manager at Veitongo village. “By 6pm every day, bread is sold out, as soon as it comes out of the oven.”
The Universal Clinic pharmacy had to increase it cold-remedy stock orders. “Over the counter sales of medicine for chest infections and common colds is higher than normal,” said owner Siutaka Siua
Narottams store manager, Robert Katri said he sees an uptick in their thermo-flasks, electric kettles and heaters, blankets and clothes sale.
Past weeks water gas heater sale at Tonga Gas Limited doubled compared to the same period last year.

Despite the cold weather event lingering, Tongan families are taking precautions to stay warm and maintain their well-being.