Intensity of Heat Wave to Persist Until March

Mauritius is experiencing an intense heat wave, with average temperatures ranging from 34°C across various regions over several weeks. This scorching heat is expected to continue, with temperatures possibly rising to 35.5°C or even 36°C during January and February, the hottest months of the year. March is also anticipated to be marked by persistent heat, although less intense than the preceding months.

According to the Vacoas Meteorological Station, this period of high temperatures, averaging around 34°C, is likely to persist until the end of March.

“The heat will be uncomfortable in the coming weeks. March will also be hot, but the heat will be less intense than in January and February.

However, from April and May, a seasonal transition towards cooler temperatures, heralding winter, is expected,” the Vacoas station explained.

It’s worth noting that despite temperatures reaching up to 34°C, this does not constitute a heat wave.

“There are specific criteria defined by the World Meteorological Organization to declare a heat wave.

An alert can only be issued if temperatures exceed 40°C for several consecutive days,” the meteorological service clarified.

Record Temperatures Reached

Temperatures exceeding 35°C were recorded in Médine on January 9 and 10. In other regions, such as Saint-Félix, the mercury rose to 34.9°C.

The capital, Port-Louis, also experienced temperatures approaching 34°C. The highest temperatures are typically observed between 1 pm and 4 pm.

Frequent Power Cuts

Many residents are complaining about frequent power cuts, especially at night.

The Central Electricity Board (CEB) confirmed that this is indeed the case, citing a high demand for electricity.

Minister of Public Utilities, Patrick Assirvaden, stated that a crisis committee has been set up, chaired by Deputy Prime Minister Paul Bérenger, to evaluate the situation.

The committee is scheduled to meet on January 28.

Meteorological System Affects Mauritius

A zone of intertropical convergence (ZCIT) is established, stretching from east of Agalega to southeast of Diego-Garcia.

A tropical trough is currently situated within the ZCIT, southeast of Diego-Garcia, and is evolving in an environment conducive to further intensification.

The system is being closely monitored by the hydrographic and meteorological service.

Forecast for January to March

The latest reports from global centers indicated that weak La Niña conditions are currently present in the equatorial Pacific.

These conditions are expected to persist until February-April 2025, followed by a probable transition to neutral ENSO conditions during March-May 2025.

This has an impact on the Indian Ocean.

Record Energy Consumption

On January 22, a record peak energy consumption of 545.7 MW was recorded at 9 pm. This figure represents a new historical high.

It is worth noting that energy consumption typically peaks between 6 pm and 9 pm.

The CEB had anticipated such a peak for February, with an estimated 544 MW. However, this situation occurred earlier than expected.

Thierry Ramasawmy, CEB’s communication manager, explained, “Many people do not declare their energy consumption correctly, which distorts our calculations.

We provide electricity based on the declared loads. With the increased use of air conditioners and other energy-intensive appliances, the actual loads far exceed those declared.”

Surge in Air Conditioner and Fan Sales

With the rise in summer temperatures, sales of air conditioners and fans have skyrocketed.

Both Courts and 361 retailers confirm a strong demand, driven by the persistent heat and end-of-year promotions.

At Courts, sales of air conditioners and fans have increased significantly since the beginning of summer.

“Customers have been buying since the start of summer, and this trend continues.

It depends on the budget, but we have found that both products, air conditioners and fans, are selling very well,” a Courts representative explained.

Among the most popular brands are Hisense, Samsung, Ocean, and Mammouth.

Air conditioner prices start at Rs 12,990. Courts assured that they have sufficient stock to meet the growing demand.

Géraldine L’Écluse-Ameer, Retail Marketing Manager at 361, reported a similar trend.

“Since November and December, we have seen a significant increase in sales.

With the heat this year, many customers have taken advantage of end-of-year promotions to invest in air conditioners and fans.

And even now, at the beginning of the year, sales continue.”

361 offers a wide range of products to cater to the diverse needs of customers.

Among the new products, Philips fans are generating significant interest, while models like Rowenta stand out for their innovative features, including an anti-mosquito diffuser, remote control, and silent operation.

“Our best-seller remains the anti-mosquito fan, which combines efficiency and comfort,” L’Écluse-Ameer added.

Prices at 361 start at Rs 1,990 for fans and Rs 11,990 for air conditioners, with ongoing promotions to attract consumers.

Source: Defi Media