Pita

Dissipated

Active from January 24, 2025 at 06:00 AM to January 29, 2025 at 12:00 AM

Track map of Pita

Peak Category

Dissipated

Minimum Pressure

980 hPa

Maximum Wind Speed

119 km/h

Region

South Pacific

Key Events

Formation

January 24, 2025 at 06:00 AM

-13.5°N, 165.0°E

Dissipation

January 29, 2025 at 12:00 AM

-24.8°N, 179.9°E

Storm Timeline

Pita formed as Tropical Depression at -13.5°N, 165.0°E with winds of 29 km/h

Pita intensified to Tropical Storm at -14.0°N, 166.0°E with winds of 36 km/h

Pita intensified to Category 1 at -14.7°N, 167.3°E with winds of 47 km/h

Pita reached peak intensity as Category 1 at -15.8°N, 169.1°E with winds of 119 km/h

Pita reached peak intensity as Category 1 at -17.0°N, 171.0°E with winds of 119 km/h

Pita reached peak intensity as Category 1 at -18.2°N, 173.0°E with winds of 119 km/h

Pita reached peak intensity as Category 1 at -19.1°N, 175.6°E with winds of 119 km/h

Pita reached peak intensity as Category 1 at -19.8°N, 178.5°E with winds of 119 km/h

Pita weakened to Tropical Storm at -20.5°N, 179.9°E with winds of 72 km/h

Pita weakened to Tropical Depression at -22.1°N, -179.8°E with winds of 54 km/h

Pita dissipated at -24.8°N, 179.9°E

Tropical Cyclone Pita (2025): Key Facts and Impacts

Overview

Tropical Cyclone Pita (designated 08P) was a short-lived but impactful weather system that developed in the Southwest Pacific Ocean in January 2025. Initially classified as a Category 1 cyclone, Pita brought sustained winds of 30–35 knots (60–70 km/h) and gusts up to 45 knots (90 km/h). The cyclone primarily affected the Cook Islands and Tonga, prompting evacuations and disrupting maritime activities.

Formation and Track

Genesis and Early Movement

Pita formed near Niue and tracked east-southeastward under the influence of a deep-layer ridge and trough system. By 10 January 2025, it was located 139 NM east-southeast of Niue, with sustained winds of 40 knots.

The Joint Typhoon Warning Center (JTWC) noted dry air entrainment and subsidence as key factors limiting its intensification.

Peak Intensity and Dissipation

On 11 January, Pita reached its peak intensity near Vava'u, Tonga, with momentary gusts up to 45 knots (90 km/h).

The cyclone weakened rapidly due to increasing vertical wind shear and completed subtropical transition by 12 January, merging with mid-latitude systems.

Impacts

Affected Regions

Cook Islands

Avarua, the capital of the Cook Islands, faced gale-force winds and heavy swells. Approximately 7,600 people were exposed to tropical storm-strength winds, with critical infrastructure at risk, including Rarotonga International Airport and Avatiu Port.

Tonga

Vava'u and Ha'apai Islands experienced torrential rain, flooding, and isolated thunderstorms. Wind speeds reached 35–45 knots (70–90 km/h), causing damage to coastal areas.

Tonga's MetService issued gale warnings and advised small craft to avoid coastal waters due to hazardous conditions.

Emergency Response and Preparedness

  • Evacuations: Over 7,600 residents in the Cook Islands were alerted, with temporary closures of ports and airports.
  • Warnings: Tonga activated a multi-tiered alert system, including storm surge advisories for low-lying regions.
  • Post-Cyclone Recovery: Schools and businesses in northern Tonga resumed operations by 13 January, though agricultural and fisheries sectors reported minor disruptions.

Scientific Context

Environmental Factors

Pita's development coincided with warm sea surface temperatures (SSTs) and moderate vertical wind shear, typical of El Niño-influenced seasons.

Climate Link

Studies suggest that global warming may amplify cyclone intensity and size, though Pita's short lifespan limited its destructive potential.

Forecast Challenges

Data Limitations

Inaccurate storm center coordinates and land contamination in satellite imagery introduced uncertainties in wind speed estimates.

Model Discrepancies

Deterministic models initially overestimated Pita's intensification due to underestimating dry air intrusion.

Conclusion

Tropical Cyclone Pita underscored the vulnerabilities of Pacific Island nations to rapid-onset weather events. While its impacts were moderate, the cyclone highlighted the need for enhanced early-warning systems and regional cooperation in disaster management.