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R E P U B L I C O F MA U R I T I U S

METEOROLOGICAL SERVICES

MONTHLY BULLETIN
of
CLIMATOLOGICAL SUMMARIES

May 2008

August 2008

Contents

Introduction

1-2

Map of Mauritius / Area of responsibility

Weather Summary

Rainfall in Mauritius

5-10

Mean Monthly Rainfall

11

Rainfall Analysis

12

Monthly Climatological Summaries

13

Monthly Agrometeorological Summaries

14

Monthly Synoptic Summaries

15

Mean Sea Surface Temperature

16

Surface Wind Rose

17

Upper Winds Observations

18

MONTHLY CLIMATOLOGICAL SUMMARIES


for
MAURITIUS, RODRIGUES AND OUTER ISLANDS
1. INTRODUCTION
Mauritius lies between Latitudes 1958.8' and 2031.7' South and Longitudes 5718.0' and 5746.5' East.
Rodrigues lies between Latitudes 1940' and 1946' South and Longitudes 6320' and 6330' East about 650
km East of Mauritius. St. Brandon is a coral atoll situated around Latitude 1627' South and Longitude
5937' East about 450 km to the North-North-East of Mauritius. Agalega consists of two small islands
between Latitudes 1020' and 1029' South and Longitudes 5634' and 5642' East, about 1050 km almost
North of Mauritius.
Monthly climatological data presented in this issue are based on daily observations of various meteorological
parameters recorded in Mauritius, Rodrigues, St. Brandon and Agalega.
2. STATIONS
Synoptic Stations
Synoptic stations are meteorological weather observing centres where all meteorological parameters are
being monitored at fixed intervals of time and their observations are exchanged on the Global
Telecommunication System of the World Meteorological Organisation.
The Mauritius Meteorological Services maintains six synoptic stations :
Vacoas (2018'S, 5730'E) WMO Station number 61995, and Plaisance (2026'S, 5741'E) WMO Station
number 61990, in Mauritius. Pointe Canon (1941'S, 6325'E) WMO Station number 61988 and Plaine
Corail (1941'S , 6345'E) WMO Station number 61989, in Rodrigues. Raphael Island, located at 1627'S
and 5937'E WMO Station number 61986, in St Brandon. Agalega located at 1021'S 5635'E, WMO
Station number 61974, in North Island.
Climatological Stations
Ordinary climatological stations are stations where climate parameters such as extreme temperatures and
amount of precipitation are recorded and including, if possible, some other elements like atmospheric
pressure, humidity, soil temperatures, sunshine and wind are monitored daily for the preparation of
climatology. The Mauritius Meteorological Services has a network of 22 ordinary climatological stations in
Mauritius.
Agrometeorological Stations
The agrometeorological stations monitor standard climatological data that are of interest to agriculture,
livestock breeding and forestry. These stations monitor the following parameters, evaporation, humidity,
rainfall, sunshine duration, temperature and wind.
The Mauritius Sugar Industry Research Institute manages four such stations in Mauritius with the assistance
of the Meteorological Services. Savannah Sugar Estate maintains another station at La Baraque.
3. INSTRUMENTS IN USE AT METEOROLOGICAL STATIONS:
Raingauges
Ordinary raingauges with outer rim of diameter 11.28 cm together with ordinary laboratory cylinders
graduated in cubic centimeters are being used to measure rainfall at most stations. Readings are taken at
0700 hours daily. Fourteen stations are equipped with rain recorders, which provide rainfall intensities.

Thermometers and Hygrometers


Ordinary thermometers are used to measure dry, wet bulb and soil temperatures. Maximum and Minimum
temperatures are measured by appropriate thermometers. Thermohygrographs have been installed at eight
stations.
Anemometers
Nine Dines anemometers provide wind data at the following sites in Mauritius: Digue Seche, FUEL, Medine,
Mon Desert Alma, Pamplemousses, Plaisance, Port Louis Harbour Radio, Quatre Bornes and Vacoas. There
is also one Dines anemometer at Pointe Canon in Rodrigues. Wind at Agalega is measured by a cup
anemometer.
Sunshine Recorders
Campbell Stokes sunshine recorders have been installed at twenty-one sites in Mauritius. Two stations at
Rodrigues and one at Agalega are also in operations.
Evaporation Pans
Modified US Class A pans are used to measure daily evaporation amount at 13 stations in Mauritius and one
station, Pointe Canon, in Rodrigues.
Barometers
Mercury barometers, digital barometers and aneroid barographs are used at all synoptic stations to measure
atmospheric pressure.
Tide Gauges
Sea level is monitored using floating type gauges at Port Louis and Port Mathurin.
Wind Finding Radars
Upper Air observations are carried out daily at Vacoas and Pointe Canon using WF33 radars.
At Agalega and St. Brandon, upper air wind observations are made using a theodolite - an optical instrument.
Automatic Weather Stations
22 automatic weather stations have been installed at different sites over the island. There are also two
stations in Rodrigues. Weather parameters observed by these automatic weather stations are : humidity,
rainfall, temperature and wind.
4. METEOROLOGICAL SUMMARIES
Monthly summaries of meteorological observations in the form of mean totals, extreme values with date of
occurrence and departure from long term mean are presented in this issue for various climate parameters of
stations located in Mauritius, Rodrigues and the Outer Islands.

Map of Mauritius showing Contours and Basin

N
Mon
Choisy

40

NN

Contours: Height (metres)

Digue
Seche

Regional Delimitations

160
Pamplemousses

NN : North
NW : North West

NW
320

Fort William

EE : East
40

WW : West
CW : Central Plateau (Windward)

FUEL
Reduit
Alma
Medine
160

WW
320

CL : Central Plateau (Leeward)

EE

320

Beau
Champ

440
CL
Vacoas

40

160

SE : South East
SS : South

440

Sans
Souci

SW : South West

CW

600

Ferney

SE
160
Le Morne

Plaisance

SW
Britannia

SS

40

Bel Ombre

Scale 1:300,000

Seychelles

05 S

Diego Garcia

10 S

Agalega
Diego Suarez

15 S
Tromelin
St. Brandon
J. de Nova
Tamatave
Tana

20 S

Rodrigues
Reunion

Mauritius

Europa

25 S

Fort Dauphin

45 E

50 E

55 E

60 E

65 E

70 E

75 E

80 E

85 E

90 E

Area of responsibility of the Republic of Mauritius for the naming of tropical Cyclones

WEATHER SUMMARY - May 2008


Convective activity remained weak in the equatorial region all throughout the month. The few ragged
convective cloud clusters observed were unorganized and shortlived.
The light wind conditions which prevailed over the Mascarenes during the first three weeks were
conducive to the formation of sporadic localized thunderstorms. Worthy to note, is the funnel cloud
observed in the afternoon at Phoenix on the Central Plateau, on May 2.
Atmospheric conditions became very unstable in the period 14 to 19 May. Two zones of unsettled
weather crossed the island. The first one developed to the south west of Reunion on May 13. Active
clouds associated to the system triggered frequent thunderstorms and lightning which illuminated the
sky for hours in the evening. The next day it crossed Mauritius causing widespread thundery showers
and hail in few regions. The electricity network was damaged as the electric storm struck one of the
main power supply lines.
Very soon afterwards, another zone of unsettled weather developed between Mauritius and Rodrigues.
It influenced the weather from 16 to 18 May, causing widespread heavy rain and thunderstorms all over
the island. For e.g Arnaud and Plaisance recorded 310 mm and 192 mm of rainfall respectively over the
3 day period.
After the passage of a cold front on May 24 Mauritius came under the influence of cold and windy
weather due to the anticyclone to the south of the mascarenes. A drop of 2 to 4 degrees Celsius in
temperature was noted all through the island. This was infact the very first surge of cold air indicative
of an early onset of winter 2008.
Temperature both minimum and maximum was close to average at Mauritius and Rodrigues. The
minimum at St Brandon and Agalega were close to the average. It is to be noted that on certain nights
due to the calm conditions and clear skies the minimum dropped by 3 to 5 degrees below the long term
average. A minimum temperature of 9.7C was recorded by the automatic weather station at Arnaud on
May 27.
Total rainfall over Mauritius for the month was well above the long term mean 180%. Rainfall at St
Brandon was close to average. However the second fortnight of May was very dry with rainfall
amounting only to 7% of the long term mean.
Rainfall at Agalega was well above the long term mean 160%. Rodrigues saw a very wet month with as
much as 201% of the long term mean rainfall at Pointe Canon.
Mean sea level pressure was slightly above average at Mauritius and Agalega, close to normal at St
Brandon but below average at Rodrigues.

RAINFALL IN MAURITIUS
Location

Alt
m

Total
mm

Dep
from
Normal

Cap Malheureux
Mont Choisy
Sottise
Mapou Cour
St. Antoine (Cour Usine)
Bain Boeuf (AWS)
Digue Seche
Solitude (La Plaine)
Mon Loisir Rouillard (AWS)
Mon Loisir Rouillard
Fond du Sac
Mapou (BVM)
Fleurant
Forbach (BVM)
Fair Fund
Belle Vue (BVM)
Labourdonnais
L'Esperance (BVM)
NPIPP
St. Andre (Cour)
Mauricia ( B.V.M. )
Schoenfield
St. Andre (AG22)
Mon Choix
Beau Plan
Beau Sejour
Champ Rose
Pamplemousses ( MSIRI )
Maison Blanche
Mon Loisir S.E.
The Mount
Esperance (Beau Plan)
Belle Vue Maurel
Mon Piton
Antoinette
Grande Rosalie
Mon Songe
California
Industrie ( Cour )
REGION: NORTH WEST

594374
12333
12342
16382
24391
510360
36396
48322
20370
19371
26345
28360
29387
35375
39347
39356
40365
42386
36342
46336
46353
46396
50328
56366
57340
57379
59327
61346
64351
66404
67357
70347
74400
63370
74381
79362
81381
91369
100355

3
9
18
40
30
7
30
30
55
49
40
64
46
58
84
104
73
69
55
91
40
44
122
65
114
41
79
96
64
119
88
97
177
171
198
186
262
180

109.0
130.5
148.0
132.1
147.0
131.2
175.4
159.0
191.8
162.0
160.3
186.0
170.7
181.0
148.0
164.0
138.0
178.0
165.2
134.0
213.5
105.5
151.0
141.8
177.0
112.6
151.0
202.3
153.0
82.5
234.2
208.0
137.4
247.2
213.2
316.2
179.7
283.5
161.0

Massilia
Cantin
Balaclava (AWS)
Richeterre (Versailles)
Cite La Cure
Fort William ( P.L.H.R. )

66315
73303
50310
76310
88313
91287

40
24
18
30
40
6

139.6
175.2
161.2
115.1
147.1

STATIONS

---

MAY 2008

No of days on which RR reached


or exceeded

Maximum
Rainfall

1
mm

5
mm

10
mm

25
mm

50
mm

10.6
50.4
61.7
42.6
38.6
55.1
91.8
59.2
89.2
80.5
67.3
74.0
60.2
55.9
32.1
69.2
114.3
2.1
26.1
88.0
-1.7
70.3
103.1
33.7
-37.2
99.3
95.5
13.4
124.9
69.8
174.8
8.2
104.3
38.9

10
9
9
9
12
12
10
9
11
10
9
13
9
12
9
12
10
12
12
10
13
13
10
12
12
12
8
14
9
10
17
9
13
12
14
18
17
19
10

7
6
8
9
7
8
8
6
9
9
8
8
7
7
7
6
7
7
7
7
7
6
7
5
7
5
7
7
8
7
14
7
6
9
10
10
10
11
7

5
4
4
5
5
5
8
5
6
6
6
6
6
5
6
5
5
5
5
6
5
5
6
4
6
4
6
6
5
3
7
6
4
5
8
8
6
8
4

1
2
2
1
3
1
2
2
3
3
2
2
3
3
2
2
1
3
3
2
2
1
2
2
2
1
2
3
3
0
3
2
2
3
2
5
2
4
3

0
1
1
0
0
0
0
1
1
0
1
1
0
1
1
1
1
1
0
0
2
0
0
0
1
0
1
1
1
0
1
1
0
1
1
2
0
1
1

27.0
56.3
55.4
30.2
34.0
29.2
39.0
54.3
56.6
46.0
55.7
80.0
49.0
59.0
52.0
52.0
56.4
56.0
36.7
32.0
65.0
31.6
40.0
45.0
67.0
37.0
55.0
54.2
51.0
14.7
50.8
79.0
31.5
86.0
57.1
61.0
43.9
73.7
63.0

18
17
17
16
16
16
16

81.6
95.4
98.9

8
10
10
8
6

6
7
6
5
5

3
6
5
2
5

3
3
3
2
3

1
0
1
1
0

59.0
43.0
71.2
56.2
49.0

17
16
17
17
16

in 24 hr
Date
mm

REGION : NORTH

* Often

- Data not available

aws:

automatic weather station

17
16
16
17
17
16
17
17
17
17
17
16
17
17
17
17
17
17
17
17
16
17
29
16
17
17
17
16
18
17
17
17

RAINFALL IN MAURITIUS
Location

Alt
m

Total
mm

Dep
from
Normal

Port Louis (aws)


Le Souvenir
Amitie ( I )
Amitie (2)
Notre Dame
Domaine Les Pailles (aws)
Valton
Beau Fonds
REGION : WEST

100300
69336
74335
81324
85334
117293
92335
91349

5
70
85
88
131
90
146
236

121.4
158.0
188.0
155.0
193.0
129.8
162.0
239.0

Pointe aux Sables


Albion (Medine)
Albion (aws)
Balisage
Petite Riviere Noire
Case Noyale
Petit Verger
Richelieu
Gros Cailloux
St Antoine (Medine)
La Mecque
La Ferme
Belle Vue (Medine)
Medine (Medine)
Palmyre (No.1)
Clarens (Medine)
La Verette
Magenta
Tamarin ( Estate )
Yemen
Beaux Songes (aws)
Chebel
Bagatelle (Medine)
Le Bosquet
Barkly ( Exp. Station )
Le Reduit ( MSIRI )
La Chaumiere (R.B. No1)
Trianon (Estate)
Corps de Garde
Beaux Songes (Medine)
Pierrefonds
Bassin
REGION : SOUTH WEST

102272
127240
120240
138232
232223
242220
109260
113272
124254
134249
149234
152248
153228
155233
168233
178236
190247
191260
193238
202242
160250
125270
131292
133263
133272
139293
140259
150291
162264
160250
171261
177268

15
12
5
40
3
15
52
67
82
116
85
140
61
91
91
67
72
88
43
67
225
162
302
183
207
311
174
305
281
225
278
314

68.5
95.5
110.4
122.8
204.4
251.0
54.8
81.0
57.0
68.0
81.5
81.2
73.0
66.7
67.1
114.6
69.6
110.0
75.9
70.9
94.8
98.6
209.5
77.6
98.0
155.8
81.9
162.1
82
150.0
143.9

La Gaulette
Le Morne (AWS)
Le Morne Brabant
Coteau Gambier

250215
260190
273184
265190

10
2
3
55

279
203.6
229.0
223.9

STATIONS

---

MAY 2008

No of days on which RR reached


or exceeded

Maximum
Rainfall

1
mm

5
mm

10
mm

25
mm

50
mm

65.4
96.5
72.3
97.9
60.0
127.8

7
9
10
11
11
6
11
10

5
5
6
6
5
5
5
7

5
5
4
4
3
5
4
5

3
1
2
2
2
2
2
3

0
1
1
1
1
0
1
1

35.0
74.0
96.0
71.0
120.0
37.4
92.0
130.0

16
17
17
17
17
16
17
17

61.5
91.6
155.8
183.9
31.1
15.6
30.9
41.6
42.2
45.0
24.0
25.4
78.2
34.8
64.4
31.9
22.4
55.1
123.9
35.0
43.3
71.4
34.7
29.8
103.2
86.3

6
6
6
6
5
11
6
6
6
4
4
8
6
5
3
4
7
4
7
7
9
6
10
5
14
7
4
9
4
3
5

5
5
5
5
5
7
5
6
3
3
3
4
3
3
2
4
3
3
4
4
4
4
6
3
7
6
3
5
3
3
3

4
3
4
5
4
5
3
4
3
3
2
3
2
2
1
2
3
3
3
2
3
4
4
3
2
4
3
4
2
3
3

0
2
2
2
4
3
0
1
0
1
2
2
1
1
1
2
1
2
1
1
2
2
3
1
1
2
2
2
2
3
3

0
0
0
0
2
2
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
1
1
0
0
0
0
0
0
2
0
0
1
0
1
0
2
1

21.8
37.4
34.8
47.0
73.4
76.0
15.8
33.0
21.6
28.0
40.5
28.0
40.8
36.2
55.7
66.3
31.9
45.0
26.5
27.4
31.8
32.0
69.1
30.0
30.0
70.1
27.4
79.2
39
65
81.3

14
14
14
14
14
14
14
14
14
16
14
14
14
14
14
14
14
16
16
14
16
14
17
14
14
16
14
16
14
16
16

203.8
154.3
-

10
10
9
15

7
6
9
4

6
5
6
4

3
3
3
3

3
2
3
2

80.4
59.4
58.0
72.7

14
14
18
14

in 24 hr
Date
mm

REGION : NORTH WEST

* Often

Data not available

aws:

automatic weather station

RAINFALL IN MAURITIUS

---

MAY 2008

No of days on which RR
Dep.
reached or exceeded
from
1
5
10
25
50
Normal
mm mm mm mm mm

Maximum
Rainfall
in 24 hr
Date
mm

Location

Alt
m

Total
mm

Embrasure
La Crete
Terres Couleurs
Chamarel ( Estate )
Plaine Champagne
REGION : SOUTH

268204
253230
262220
262230
254258

45
290
259
267
701

215.0
337.5
343.0
322.0
439.4

231.9
231.1
197.9
184.5

8
14
16
18
16

6
8
9
8
13

4
6
6
6
8

3
4
4
4
7

3
3
3
3
4

70.0
92.0
99.0
87.0
76.9

17
14
16
16
14

Beau Champs (B.O)


Bel Ombre
St Felix (Factory)
Bel Air St. Felix
Terracine
Souillac (aws)
Cascades
Choisy Estate
Chamouny
Frederica
Canal Vacoas
Ste. Marie
Fontenelle
St. Aubin
Riviere des Anguilles
Bel Air (Benares)
Union Savanne
Val Riche
Luchon
Satana
Combo
Bois Sec (U)
Bois Cheri
Pradier
Grand Bassin (aws)
REGION : SOUTH EAST

299260
301244
301277
305288
306308
310320
283273
288223
289279
290250
294241
295273
297315
300322
301330
302339
304322
274261
275273
289260
287319
265306
254312
249297
240295

21
8
24
40
30
28
153
70
131
125
46
53
94
86
82
49
64
305
236
168
175
439
475
600
605

274.0
355.8
569.6
530.4
345.0
341.0
281.7
422.5
279.9
484.3
292.6
371.0
345.0
345.9
286.0
301.0
307.0
626.0
644.2
304.0
386.0
531.0
632.6
627.5
510.2

108.9
233.2
435.4
413.5
199.4
100.6
303.2
75.4
330.2
162.9
209.1
181.3
213.9
137.2
157.6
156.3
405.1
324.6
142.9
194.0
285.4
323.4
-

17
16
17
16
18
17
18
18
19
17
17
19
18
17
14
16
18
16
18
18
20
24
28
22
20

10
11
12
12
12
11
13
11
12
15
9
13
12
10
12
13
13
16
15
10
14
15
13
16
14

7
8
10
9
9
8
6
8
7
8
7
11
10
8
9
8
8
9
12
9
9
12
12
11
10

5
5
7
7
4
3
4
4
3
5
4
6
6
4
5
3
4
7
6
5
8
8
8
9
6

2
2
5
5
3
2
2
4
1
4
2
2
2
3
2
2
2
4
4
2
2
4
4
5
3

67.0
125.0
147.3
111.8
90.0
105.6
67.3
97.0
99.5
100.2
70.0
82.0
61.0
69.7
75.0
91.0
66.0
132.0
182.9
75.0
70.0
100.0
136.0
133.0
146.4

14
14
18
18
18
18
14
17
14
17
17
18
14
14
18
18
14
18
17
18
16
18
16
16
16

Pointe aux Feuilles


Bestel
Camizzard
Providence (F)
Ferney
Le Vallon
Campement
Ste Helene
Beau Vallon (Cour)
Terre Rocheuse (BVWest)
Terre Rocheuse (RLChaux)
Mon Desert ( M.D.M.T. )
Riviere Tabac
Florine

183463
204403
208417
215439
216420
220410
203413
251405
252416
257413
260424
271403
293378
211390

15
15
21
24
6
3
20
40
21
27
9
23
31
145

187.0
530.5
549.0
374.7
376.5
420.6
318.8
349.8
284.2
273.2
284.8
290.4
284.6
433.6

31.4
272.7
274.3
225.6
171.1
245.9
200.2
144.7
129.5
147.8
150.0
145.8
190.6

13
21
21
16
18
19
15
17
15
14
12
14
14
19

7
19
16
10
9
12
8
10
9
7
9
7
8
15

5
13
12
7
8
8
6
6
7
7
6
5
7
10

2
6
7
4
5
4
4
5
3
3
2
4
5
6

1
3
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
3

61.0
144.6
200.2
133.4
142.6
167.9
145.5
110.0
93.0
87.0
102.0
120.0
96.0
105.4

18
18
18
18
18
18
18
18
18
18
18
18
18
18

STATIONS

REGION : SOUTH WEST

* Often

Data not available

aws:

automatic weather station

RAINFALL IN MAURITIUS
Location

Alt
m

Total
mm

Dep.
from
Normal

Le Val
Cent Gaulettes
Riviere des Creoles
Riche En Eau
Riche En Eau (aws)
Astroea (R.E.E)
Courbevoie
Ruisseau Copeaux
Mon Tresor
Plaisance
Gros Bois
Union Vale
Sauveterre
La Baraque
Colmar Siding Benares
Savinia
Chateau Benares
Savanah
St. Felix (B.A.S.E)
Benares
Montagne Ronde
Eau Bleu Tostee
Mont Vernon
Astroea (R.B)
Rose Belle
Deux Bras
New Grove
Hewetson
St. Avold
Joli Bois
Britannia
Riche Bois (B)
REGION : EAST

213373
214384
220389
231394
233379
243400
250385
254392
261410
264365
267389
276390
280371
284334
285380
288349
291365
293339
296349
201387
227363
232369
233360
238355
239278
251361
261341
262331
264349
271334
274346

137
145
134
110
163
69
114
73
50
160
58
49
76
168
49
107
58
122
76
216
213
287
274
280
158
219
255
293
216
229
191

435.2
453.2
368.9
395.2
417.6
372.3
453.7
404.8
375.3
385.5
319.6
287.3
372.4
326.5
300.3
281.3
282.0
281.5
505.8
602.7
494.8
626.3
489.1
602.2
565.6
496.3
628.5
408.8

Haute Rive
Bras D'Eau
Providence (P.de Flacq)
Bassin Requins
Constance
Belle Mare
Mare La Chaux
Palmar (aws)
Beau Rivage
Beau Champ - Littoral
Grande Retraite (La Retraite)
Allendy (BV)
Argy

67429
82443
100441
102452
107424
116461
117451
138480
153472
164465
97404
116414
116439

18
9
6
8
40
3
20
5
3
15
113
109
43

96.5
124.0
139.0
193.0
144.5
171.5
161.0
208.4
197.1
202.2
158.0
154.0
141.5

STATIONS

---

MAY 2008

No of days on which RR reached


or exceeded

Maximum
Rainfall

1
mm

5
mm

10
mm

25
mm

50
mm

in 24 hr
Date
mm

196.7
235.7
171.7
194.2
207.1
311.9
216.9
221.9
182.4
171.3
153.3
170.9
172.0
109.3
122.9
79.5
130.4
212.0
330.9
238.8
372.3
304.2
410.1
345.8
285.5
408.6
212.1

20
20
17
17
20
18
19
15
15
17
15
15
19
17
17
17
17
18
20
21
19
21
21
20
18
20
20
17

14
15
12
12
13
12
12
10
9
12
11
11
13
10
12
12
13
12
14
14
13
17
15
15
14
14
14
12

11
9
9
11
10
6
7
6
5
9
7
5
11
7
9
8
10
7
13
12
11
15
10
11
12
10
11
9

4
5
4
6
5
5
5
5
5
6
4
4
5
5
4
4
3
3
6
7
6
9
5
6
7
6
8
5

3
3
1
2
1
2
3
3
2
2
2
2
2
1
2
2
3
2
3
4
2
4
4
4
3
4
4
3

105.4
121.8
122.2
120.4
127.2
127.5
152.3
144.7
138.2
111.0
118.0
106.0
80.0
105.2
70.0
88.0
50.0
65.0
121.0
158.3
168.4
104.0
144.8
164.2
135.0
155.0
143.0
119.0

18
18
18
18
18
18
18
18
18
18
18
18
18
18
18
18
14
14
18
18
18
18
18
18
18
18
18
18

-6.8
5.1
0.6
68.1
4.2
37.0
28.3
70.1
60.0
-4.5
-12.8
-5.9

10
5
12
13
14
12
10
13
15
13
16
17
16

6
5
7
8
8
7
7
10
9
10
8
9
9

4
5
5
5
4
5
5
6
4
6
6
7
5

1
2
2
3
1
2
2
2
2
2
2
1
1

0
1
0
1
0
1
1
1
1
1
0
0
0

27.0
55.0
42.0
65.0
42.0
72.0
70.5
81.2
72.4
81.0
32.0
40.0
34.0

16
19
18
18
18
18
18
18
18
18
17
17
18

REGION : SOUTH EAST

* Often

Data not available

aws:

automatic weather station

RAINFALL IN MAURITIUS
Location

Alt
m

Total
mm

Dep
from
Normal

FUEL ( UNION )
La Gaiete
Queen Victoria
Queen Victoria (aws)
Belle Etoile
Naye
Caroline
Clemencia
Belle Rose (DRBC)
La Lucie
Terre Franche (DRBC)
Grand Port (DRBC)
Trois Ilots
La Louise (T. Rocheuse)
Olivia
Beau Vallon (DRBC)
Etoile
Belle Rive (DRBC)
Rich Fund
Unite
Gibraltar
Bel Etang
Sans Souci
REGION : CENTRAL
PLATEAU WINDWARD

127410
128435
132424
130420
137453
139440
148450
153421
153434
154441
166438
167458
171449
174421
178441
178449
183442
186431
125399
138401
138412
145391
178392

146
64
125
112
71
85
64
119
82
73
79
64
91
156
101
110
116
116
189
226
165
265
277

228.3
174.6
211.0
190.8
177.5
222.9
238.8
323.4
197.0
161.9
264.5
201.0
261.9
299.9
296.2
301.4
418.8
263.0
246.1
292.0
283.0
387.9
431.4

Bonne Veine (MDA)


Providence
Providence (aws)
Grosse Roche
Piton du Milieu
Eau Bleue Dam
Union Park ( MSIRI )
Beau Climat
La Flora
Nouvelle Decouverte(aws)
Belle Rive (1E)
Belle Rive ( 2E )
XVI Mile(Mon Bois)(aws)
REGION : CENTRAL
PLATEAU LEEWARD

143353
146371
148367
172375
175346
211357
230344
234336
248334
110350
170335
174335
200320

433
369
378
335
442
347
357
390
360
480
476
467
590

Beau Bois (MDA)


Mon Desert Alma
Minissy (MDA)
Minissy (H)
Moka (aws)
Cote d'Or
Bagatelle (H)

124335
133316
135302
143306
130300
147315
151308

436
367
354
366
344
412
393

STATIONS

---

MAY 2008

No of days on which RR reached


or exceeded

Maximum
Rainfall

1
mm

5
mm

10
mm

25
mm

50
mm

60.6
16.3
30.1
37.7
46.7
86.0
128.9
17.1
-2.1
74.6
61.2
95.3
98.2
92.2
146.6
181.1
34.3
48.7
97.2
92.6
163.8
123.8

18
16
20
18
12
16
15
17
16
16
15
14
17
17
19
18
17
17
16
16
15
20
22

9
10
10
9
6
10
10
9
10
10
12
11
8
14
13
10
13
9
9
8
8
11
12

6
5
7
6
5
5
5
6
5
5
6
5
6
9
8
7
9
8
7
7
7
9
10

1
2
2
2
2
3
2
3
3
1
3
2
2
3
4
5
5
3
2
2
4
4
5

1
0
1
0
1
1
2
3
1
0
2
1
1 1
2
2
2
1 1
1
1
2 1
1
2 1
3

84.2
39.7
68.0
41.0
86.0
64.6
87.0
95.3
65.0
45.8
76.0
72.0
10.0
70.0
72.0
91.8
58.6
66.4
87.7
25.0
95.7
34.0
85.0

17
17
17
17
18
17
18
17
18
18
18
18
18
18
18
18
18
18
17
17
17
17
18

309.4
393.6
333.2
443.6
369.0
337.1
575.0
743.3
320.0
497.8
461.1
-

78.9
145.2
165.2
110.2
47.8
307.1
507.9
264.5
225.1
-

16
25
19
25
17
21
21
19
15
23
22
-

8
13
10
14
12
11
16
15
10
11
13
-

8
9
7
11
8
8
13
12
7
8
8
-

3
4
4
3
5
4
6
8
4
6
5
-

2
3
2
3
2
2
3
5
2
2
2
-

91.2
95.0
100.4
98.0
133.9
73.0
162.2
188.6
105.4
199.0
205.8
-

17
16
16
17
16
18
18
18
17
16
16
-

250.8
223.0
211.6
220.7
156.0
221.8
234.2

68.6
101.3
118.4
113.2
95.7
118.0

15
12
9
14
12
15
14

10
7
6
7
6
9
7

7
4
4
4
4
4
4

3
3
3
2
2
2
2

2
2
2
2
1
2
1

87.1
70.4
70.4
77.2
63.0
83.3
113.5

17
16
17
16
16
16
16

in 24 hr
Date
mm

REGION : EAST

* Often

Data not available

aws:

automatic weather station

RAINFALL IN MAURITIUS
Location

Alt.
m

Total
mm

Dep
from
Normal

159280
164305
176294
182258
184293
186275
192276
144340
152334
161318
168326
182316
199281
178310
201290
211275
214283
216294
225275
228295
170290
243275

353
421
424
396
433
396
430
451
448
454
488
564
469
614
353
485
536
564
579
576
580
655

138.7
218.5
232.0
139.1
255.0
125.6
163.8
293.9
276.1
245.7
365.4
249.1
203.4
348.0
273.1
146.5
243.4
411.4
396.6
509.7
517.0
628.0

Pointe Canon
Corail Airport
Citronelle (aws)
REGION :
AGALEGA ISLANDS

407255
454216
418265

58
33
335

Agalega

10 21' S
56 35' E

16 27' S
59 37' E

STATIONS

---

MAY 2008

No of days on which RR reached


or exceeded

Maximum
Rainfall
in 24 hr
Date
mm

1
mm

5
mm

10
mm

25
mm

50
mm

58.5
101.8
111.7
90.9
127.9
61.1
73.3
89.1
82.9
75.0
150.3
34.5
96.9
135.0
23.0
97.3
209.5
210.4
255.0
357.7

8
10
11
5
8
6
7
16
17
14
16
13
8
17
12
17
8
19
19
24
22
19

5
7
8
3
7
4
4
10
9
8
10
9
6
11
9
6
7
12
11
13
13
16

3
5
5
3
4
3
3
6
7
5
7
6
5
9
7
5
5
8
8
10
10
10

3
3
3
1
3
2
2
2
2
2
3
3
3
4
4
2
2
6
5
8
8
6

1
1
1
1
2
1
1
2
2
2
2
1
2
2
2
0
2
3
4
4
2
6

57.0
102.0
116.0
87.8
92.4
52.5
76.2
100.6
118.6
77.2
188.0
100.0
80.0
115.0
65.0
38.1
89.8
99.8
89.0
110.8
153.4
160.0

16
16
16
16
17
16
16
17
16
16
16
16
16
16
16
17
17
16
16
16
16
16

157.2
116.5

78.9
44.4
-

13
10

8
7

6
3

2
2

0
0

44.4
28.9

3
18

163.1

61.3

10

92.3

27

83.3

4.6

30.6

REGION : CENTRAL
PLATEAU LEEWARD
Quatre Bornes ( Michaud )
Highlands
Vacoas
Burgos
Reunion
Holyrood
Moon
Alma
Valetta
Hermitage
Belle Rive (MSIRI)
Wooton
Henrietta
Trou aux Cerfs (aws)
La Marie
Tamarin ( Res. )
Bonne Fin
Good End
Mare Longue
Arnaud
Arnaud (aws)
Petrin

REGION : RODRIGUES

REGION :
ST. BRANDON ISLANDS
St. Brandon

* Often

Data not available

aws:

automatic weather station

MEAN MONTHLY RAINFALL May 2008


Isohyetal Analysis ( mm )
REGION
NORTH
NORTH
WEST
HEIGHT

EAST

WEST

0 -- 40

144

144

148

103

40 -- 160

169

155

224

99

160 -- 320

234

193

369

320 -- 440

250

222

427

440 -- 600

250

600 -- 680

316

360

254

372

374

367

284

141

424

529

471

324

265

485

222

550

557

433

254

350

494

316

633

453

250

350

564

521

646

433

>680
Total Mean

CENTRAL PLATEAU SOUTH


SOUTH
SOUTH
Windward Leeward
EAST
WEST

659
169

172

255

115

492

694
288

413

472

333

Mean Rainfall over Mauritius : 298.8 mm


Percentage Rainfall of Long Term Mean : 188 %

After a very dry April, it eventually rained quite significantly and May 2008 turned out to
be very wet with a mean rainfall of 299 mm over Mauritius representing 188% of the
long term mean 1971-2000.
However, the first week was mainly dry followed by 4 rainfall episodes namely 08-12,
14-20, 23-24, and 29-31.
The second rainy episode was the most significant one where two active cold fronts
crossed the island on the 16 and the 19. Afterwards, easterly waves coupled with a
very unstable atmosphere contributed significantly to the bulk of precipitation. Over
some regions of the island, particularly to the south and over the central plateau,
moderate showers were frequent. There were even reports of thunder / lightning on the
14, 16 and 18 with water accumulation that affected crops in certain areas.
Actually the first half of May had only a mean rainfall of 58 mm representing 36 % of
the LTM and the second half had a mean of 228 mm representing 144% of the LTM.
Overall, all regions of the island had above normal precipitation with the windward side
of the central plateau recording the highest amount namely 492 mm. However, the
southwest had the highest percentage of rainfall, that is 273%.

RAINFALL ANALYSIS - May 2008

Expressed as a percentage of the mean

Isohyets in millimetres

100-150
Mon
Choisy

Mon
Choisy
150-200
Digue
Seche

200

Pamplemousses
300

Digue
Seche

100

Pamplemousses

200-250

50-100
Fort William 150-200

Fort William
300

50-100

100-150
FUEL
200-250

Reduit
Alma

100

400
Beau
Champ

200

Medine

FUEL

150-200
Reduit

Medine

Alma

100-150

150-200

Beau
Champ

200-250

500

Vacoas

Vacoas

Sans
Souci

600

150-200

Sans
Souci

150-200
300
400

Ferney

Ferney

Le Val

500

Le Val

600
200-300

700

Plaisance

400

Le Morne

Britannia
Bel Ombre

300

300

150-200

Le Morne
300-350

200-300

Plaisance
Britannia
150-200

Bel Ombre
300-350

METEOROLOGICAL SUMMARIES
May 2008
Monthly Data from Climatological Stations
TEMPERATURE
(C)

STATIONS

31.2
29.1
29.0
30.5
29.7
31.0
27.2
27.5
32.4
31.0
30.7
30.6
30.6
27.5
30.6
26.0

1
1

94
16.2 22,27
80 71 57 25 81
15.2
22
13.0
28
97 85 59 24
14.5
26
16.0
22
16.0 often
139
13.9
26
11.3
27
21.0 14,26
16.0
21
94
16.8
28
92
17.5
15
90 81 59 20
16.0 27,28
14.0
*
85 15.5
22
90 75 52 25
14.5
26
aws: automatic weather station

27
30

-5
-

6.6
5.0

1
11,25

31

22

7.5

21
25

-5
-39

7.0
5

25
3,7

7.4 10.9

202 -24
215 23
181 -13
193 10
-

6.5 10.6
6.9 10.7
5.8 10.1
6.2 9.9
-

1
24
23,25

193 -10
163 -17
175 5.6

6.2 10.0
5.3 9.8
5.6 10.3

3
22
22

223 -19

7.2 10.8

26

237 20.1 7.6 10.1


193 6.2 10.4
222 -12 7.2 10.5

9
27
5

13
-

Depth 100cm

230

Depth 50cm

16

MEAN SOIL
TEMP (C)
Depth 30cm

9.0

Date

-26

Daily Maximum

Departure from Normal

26

Mean Daily

Total Sunshine

20.3 -0.2 23.9 0.2


19.5 0.2 22.8 0.1
16.4 -1.6 21.5 -0.1
18.6 -1.1 22.7 -0.1
19.8 -0.3 23.4 0.1
19.9 -0.4 23.9 0.8
17.1 -1.0 21.2 -0.3
16.4 -0.2 20.0
0
23.0
25.5
18.9 -1.6 24.0 -0.2
20.0 0.5 24.2 0.4
20.2
24.8
18.1
23.1
17.5 0.2
21 -0.2
19.3 0.6 22.5 0.2
17.0
19.7
- Data not available

2,13

Date

0.6
-0.1
1.4
0.8
0.5
1.9
0.4
0.2
1.2
0.3
-0.6
-0.2
-

1
1
13
13
1
*
13
15
4
1
1

105

Max. Evaporation

27.4
26.1
26.5
26.8
27.0
27.9
25.3
23.6
27.9
29.1
28.4
29.3
28.0
24.4
25.7
22.3

1,2

Daily

28
28

Departure from Normal

18.0
15.3

1,2

Number of days

Date

9
2

BRIGHT SUNSHINE
( Hrs )

Total Evaporation

Lowest Minimum

32.5
30.4

Date

Date

0.5
0.4

Lowest Relative Humidity

Highest Maximum

20.5 -1.0 25.9


18.6 -0.7 23.6

Mean Relative Humidity ( PM )

Departure from Normal

1.9
1.4

Mean Realtive Humidity ( AM )

Mean Minimum

31.2
28.6

Mean Temperature

Departure from Normal

Departure from Normal

Mean Maximum
Fort-William
DigueSeche
Labourdonnais
NPIPP
Constance
FUEL
Sans Souci
Le Val (aws)
Rose Belle
Riche en Eau
Beau Vallon
Sauveterre
Britannia
Bois Cheri Tea Est.
Le Morne (aws)
Richelieu
Medine
Barkly Exp. Station
Case Noyale
Mon Desert Alma
Quatre Bornes
Trou aux Cerfs (aws)
* Often

EVAPORATION
( mm )

RELATIVE
HUMIDITY ( % )

METEOROLOGICAL

SUMMARIES

May 2008
Monthly Data from Agrometeorological Stations
TEMPERATURE
(C)

STATIONS

MEAN SOIL
TEMP (C)

Daily

Date

Total Sunshine

-11

4.7

16

216 -20

7.0 10.5 25 & 27 25.3 25.3

25.2 0.2 16.8 -1.1 21.0 -0.4 28.5

13

14.0 23

84

74

60

22

105

30

5.2

213 -10

6.9

9.8

9.9 13 & 25 23.3 23.3 23.9

21.0 0.4 28.0 1 & 3 12.0 27

88

78

54

26

97

30

9.5

26

194

-9

6.3

24.7 0.4 17.8

0.2

21.3 0.3 28.2

84

80

56

22

79

28

-8

4.3

14

163

5.3 10.4

- Data not available

1
-

13.7 27
-

22
-

Depth 100cm

Departure from Normal

31

0.1

Depth 50cm

Number of days

96

Depth 30cm

Total Evaporation

27

25.3 0.7 16.6

Date

Date

Daily Maximum

Lowest Relative Humidity


57

Mean Daily

Mean Relative Humidity ( PM )

Departure from Normal

Mean Realtive Humidity ( AM )

77

Max. Evaporation

Date

80

Lowest Minimum

Date

14.0 23

Highest Maximum

* Often

Departure from Normal

La Baraque

BRIGHT SUNSHINE
( Hrs )

Mean Temperature

Union Park

Departure from Normal

Belle Rive

EVAPORATION
( mm )

28.7 0.6 18.4 -0.2 23.6 0.2 31.5

Mean Minimum

Reduit

Departure from Normal

Mean Maximum
Pamplemousses

RELATIVE
HUMIDITY ( % )

24.1 22.9 24.9

21.5 22.3 23.8

METEOROLOGICAL

SUMMARIES

May 2008
Monthly Data from Synoptic Stations
TEMPERATURE
(C)

STATIONS

RELATIVE HUMIDITY
(%)

BRIGHT SUNSHINE
( Hrs )

BAROMETRIC PRESSURE
( hPa )

27

1014.8 0.1 1017.4 16 1012.0 3

30.7 0.7 24.6 0.3 27.7 0.5 31.4 16 21.8 15 86 75 81

64

12

1012.5 1.0 1014.7 16 1010.0 3 274

Often

Data not available

**

Mean from main synoptic hours

*** Station level pressure

8.8 10.8

1,8

Date

63

Daily Max. Evaporation

128 29 10 8.1 16

7.1 10.7 25 107 30

1016.0 -0.7 1018.5 16 1012.2 3 206 -40 6.6 10.7

Departure from Normal

21.7 15 84 80 83

Number of days

Total Evaporation

St.Brandon 28.8 0.9 24.4 0.3 26.6 0.6 31.7

Date

25,26

Daily Maximum

57

3 221 -8

Mean Daily

Departure from Normal

19.0 26 82 74 78

Total Sunshine

965.0

Date

27.6 0.1 21.5 -0.1 24.6 0.0 30.1

Lowest Mean MSL Pressure

Rodrigues

Agalega

Date

Date

968.2 -0.3 971.1

Highest Mean MSL Pressure

Lowest Relative Humidity

25

Difference from Normal

Difference from Normal

49

Mean MSL Pressure **

Mean Relative Humidity **

Mean Relative Humidity ( PM )

15.0 22 92 74 83

Mean Relative Humidity ( AM )

Date

24.8 0.0 17.9 0.2 21.4 0.1 28.0

Lowest Minimum

Vacoas ***

Date

1017.6 0.7 1020.7 16 1013.6 3 175 -22 5.6 9.5

Highest Maximum

25

Departure from Normal

49

Mean Temperature

-5

Departure from Normal

15.6 27 83 71 76

Mean Minimum

Departure from Normal

27.0 0.2 20.5 0.3 23.8 0.3 29.8

Mean Maximum
Plaisance

EVAPORATION
( mm )

-1 5.6

117 31 -33 6.5

6
1,2

MEAN SEA SURFACE TEMPERATURE - May 2008


30C

28C

26C

24C

22C
20C

SURFACE WIND - May 2008


Wind Rose (% Frequency)

PLAISANCE
9

VACOAS

3
12

1
Calm
4

1
Calm
5

15

16

3
17

2
11

20

(ms-1)

Mean Wind Speed


Maximum Gust
Date

49

20

6.5
(ms ) 15.2
14

Mean Wind Speed


Maximum Gust
Date

-1

FORT - WILLIAM

(ms-1)

5.4

-1

(ms ) 14.8

30

ST. BRANDON

2
Calm

Calm
12

22

5
DATA NOT AVAILABLE

-1

Mean Wind Speed


Maximum Gust
Date

Mean Wind Speed


Maximum Gust
Date

(ms )
(ms-1)

RODRIGUES (Pte. Canon)

-1

(ms )
(ms-1)

6.7
-

AGALEGA

15

Calm
5

37
22

Calm
5

18

27

1
2

28
11

14

38
26

Mean Wind Speed


Maximum Gust
Date
FREQ:

20

40

(ms-1)

6.3
(ms ) 17.0
12

Mean Wind Speed


Maximum Gust
Date

-1

60

80

100

(ms-1)
(ms-1)

3.5
-

UPPER WIND OBSERVATIONS -

May 2008

Vector Mean
LEVEL

850 hPa
1500 m

700 hPa
3000 m

500 hPa
5700 m

400 hPa
7500 m

300 hPa
9600 m

250 hPa
10800 m

200 hPa
12300 m

150 hPa
14100 m

100 hPa
16500 m

STATION

Deg kt

Deg kt

Deg kt

Deg kt

Deg kt

Deg kt

Deg kt

Deg kt

Deg kt

VACOAS

RODRIGUES

Maximum Wind
LEVEL

850 hPa
1500 m

700 hPa
3000 m

500 hPa
5700 m

400 hPa
7500 m

300 hPa
9600 m

250 hPa
10800 m

200 hPa
12300 m

150 hPa
14100 m

100 hPa
16500 m

STATION

Deg kt

Deg kt

Deg kt

Deg kt

Deg kt

Deg kt

Deg kt

Deg kt

Deg kt

VACOAS

RODRIGUES

Absolute Maximum Wind


STATION

Deg kt Height (m)

Date

VACOAS

RODRIGUES

- Data not available

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