Key Messages
Temperature
- 2023 was substantially warmer than the previous several years in the South-West Pacific region.
- Mean annual temperature: 0.29°C [0.26°C–0.33°C] above the average for the 1991–2020 reference period, making it one of the three warmest years on record.
Precipitation
- First four months of the year: Above average rainfall for much of the Maritime Continent, Australia, Papua New Guinea, and the Pacific Islands, consistent with typical La Niña conditions.
- Last four months of the year: Below average rainfall for much of these regions.
- Central Pacific Islands: Drier-than-average start to 2023, followed by an above-average amount of rainfall in the latter part of the year, consistent with typical El Niño conditions.
Marine Heatwaves
- Most prominent and persistent marine heatwave: Occurred in a large area around New Zealand, categorized as extreme and lasting approximately six months.
Sea Levels
- Rising rates: Sea levels continued to rise at rates higher than the global mean in several parts of the region.
Disasters and Socioeconomic Impacts
- Hydrometeorological hazard events: 34 reported events in 2023 led to over 200 fatalities and impacted more than 25 million people.
- Typhoon Doksuri: Severe impact in Southeast Asia, displacing approximately 1,200 people and claiming at least 45 lives after making landfall.
- Deadliest wildfire: Globally in August, in Hawaii, resulting in at least 100 deaths.
Early Warning Systems
- Availability: Approximately 95% of WMO Members in WMO Regional Association V (South-West Pacific) provide climate predictions to support disaster risk reduction activities.
- Provision of tailored products: Climate projections and tailored products are provided by fewer than 70% of Members in the region.
- Urgency: Early warning systems are critical for vulnerable communities, especially in Small Island Developing States (SIDS), where they are needed to mitigate the socioeconomic impacts of disasters.
- Disparity: Only one-third of SIDS globally have early warning systems, highlighting the need for further investment and support.
Summary
The State of the Climate in the South-West Pacific in 2023 highlighted significant warming trends, varied precipitation patterns, and severe weather events. The region experienced a transition from La Niña to El Niño conditions, influencing weather and climate patterns. Rising sea levels and marine heatwaves posed additional challenges. Early warning systems are crucial but remain underdeveloped in many Small Island Developing States, underscoring the urgent need for improved preparedness and resilience.
