Climate in Mauritius

Seasons

In the summer, temperatures can reach up to 35° C, but despite the humidity and strong effects of the sun, the conditions are not necessarily unpleasant, depending on which part of the island you're in. For instance, in the west, there is a light sea breeze that is very welcome, and the east coast is prone to stronger winds and light rainfalls. The coldest area on the island is always the middle, the central plateau where the temperatures are lower.

The daylight hours during the summer sometimes last up to 14 hours. The sunrise is usually around 4:30 am, and the sun only sets around 7:30 pm. The winter is characterised by cooler temperatures, especially during the night. During daytime, temperatures are between 20 and 27 °C. But as soon as the sun sets, the temperatures can drop to 17 °C near the coast and 12 °C on the central plateau. The length of the daytime period is also shorter during the winter season. The sun rises at around 6:30 am and sets at about 5:40 pm. Also, during the winter, the coastal regions experience low rainfall, whereas the central plateau gets more rain.

Cyclones

The cyclonic season occurs between January and March, as a result of high temperatures, humidity, and low air pressure. A cyclone forms when the temperature of the ocean is over 26 °C (about 28/29 °C on the surface). Evaporation occurs as a result of the high temperature, and moisture then goes into the atmosphere from the ocean. If a cyclone is formed, its intensity is determined by the air mass and the wind circulation.

Cyclone warnings

Cyclones only occur in the summer, and usually ranges from light tropical storms to more intense ones, bringing heavy rain and a lot of wind. The Mauritius Meteorological Services, media, and websites are very good at keeping the public informed of the progress of a cyclone, and how dangerous it is. If the cyclone comes close to the island, and the rain and wind intensify, the local authorities would declare cyclone warnings of different classes, ranging from Class 1 to Class 4.

• Class 1: issued between 36 and 48 hours before the island is affected by gusts of up to 120 km/h
• Class 2: issued to allow 12 hours of daylight before the occurrence of gusts of 120 km/h
• Class 3: issued to allow 6 hours of daylight before the occurrence of 120 km/h gusts
• Class 4: issued when 120 km/h gusts have been recorded, and are not showing any evidence of decreasing in speed or intensity
• Termination: issued when there is no longer any risk of gusts exceeding 120 km/h.

Cyclone warning Class 1 :

Everyday life continues as usual, and schools, businesses, and everything else are kept open. However, the population is asked to pay attention to weather forecasts and updates.

Cyclone warning Class 2 :

• Heavy rain, sometimes torrential, but the population is still allowed to move around
• Schools are closed and children are sent home, as soon as Class 2 is said to be in force
• Boats are to be taken out of the water and securely tied up (larger boats must be docked safely in the harbour in Port-Louis)

The population is asked to take preventive measures, including securing doors and windows:

• If relevant, remove TV antennas from the rooftops
• Stock up on candles in case of power cuts
• Get hold of a battery-operated radio (and batteries) to be able to keep up with the news, especially regarding the cyclone.
• Stock up on long shelf-life food and bottled water

Cyclone warning Class 3 :

• Torrential rain and very strong winds. People are not allowed to be out and about, and it is recommended to stay indoors at all times as much as possible
• Work is suspended, and all employees are told to go back home
• Vehicles on the road are not covered by their insurance

Cyclone Class 4:

People are not allowed out and about, and are strongly recommended to stay home while waiting for the cyclone go move away.

Useful link:

Mauritius Meteorological Services