The Mauritius Meteorological Services has released its monthly report for September 2026, highlighting that the island experienced near-normal rainfall during the month. With an average of 78 mm of rainfall recorded across the island, the precipitation levels reached 92% of the seasonal average. This indicates that the overall situation is close to normal. The report also noted regional variations, with the Plateau Central receiving the most rainfall at 116 mm.
Regional rainfall patterns showed significant variation, with the North region displaying a notable surplus of 142% of its usual average. In contrast, the outer islands presented a mixed picture. Rodrigues experienced above-normal rainfall at Pointe Canon, while Plaine Corail recorded a marked deficit. Agalega, however, remained near the seasonal average. Temperature trends also showed deviations from the norm, with Vacoas recording a minimum mean temperature of 16.8 °C and a maximum of 23.7 °C, both 0.6 °C above the usual averages.
The report also highlighted temperature trends across the island. Plaisance recorded values close to historical averages, peaking at 27.1 °C on 29 September. These temperature fluctuations are being closely monitored by the meteorological services, given their implications for weather patterns in the coming months. The data collected during September provides valuable insights into the evolving weather conditions in Mauritius.
Looking ahead to the final quarter of 2026, the Mauritius Meteorological Services has provided forecasts for October, November, and December. The projections indicate that total rainfall during this period is expected to be near-normal, with estimated monthly accumulations of 65 mm in October, 76 mm in November, and 160 mm in December. However, the Standardized Precipitation Index suggests a moderately dry transition during the current quarter.
Despite the anticipated dry transition, the meteorological services expect precipitation levels to return to normal by the end of the year. The forecast is influenced by the gradual strengthening of the El Niño phenomenon in the equatorial Pacific. This climate pattern is likely to impact weather conditions in Mauritius, leading to rising temperatures across the island.
The expected rise in temperatures is attributed to the El Niño effect, which tends to bring warmer-than-average conditions to the region. As a result, the Mauritius Meteorological Services has advised residents and visitors to prepare for above-normal temperatures during the final quarter of 2026. This information is crucial for planning and mitigating the potential impacts of the changing weather patterns.
The meteorological services' report and forecasts underscore the importance of continued monitoring and preparedness for weather-related events in Mauritius. By providing accurate and timely information, the services aim to support decision-making and planning across various sectors, from agriculture to infrastructure. The data and projections will be essential for stakeholders in making informed decisions.
Key points
- - Near-normal rainfall was recorded in Mauritius in September, with an average of 78 mm across the island. - The North region experienced a notable surplus in rainfall, while Rodrigues and Agalega showed mixed and near-normal patterns, respectively. - Temperatures are expected to remain above seasonal norms in the final quarter of 2026, driven by the strengthening of El Niño in the equatorial Pacific.
