Current Weather in Same

East Timor belongs to a tropical climate close to the equator, and due to the significant difference between the rainy and dry seasons, meteorological conditions are deeply intertwined with lifestyle culture and traditional events. Below, we introduce the cultural and meteorological awareness regarding East Timor's climate by main themes.

Understanding Tropical Monsoon Climate

Boundaries Between Rainy and Dry Seasons

• The rainy season from November to April has high precipitation and is an important indicator that determines the start and harvest periods of agricultural activities.
• The dry season from May to October has stable sunshine, making it less likely for roads and bridges to be flooded or collapsed, facilitating active movement and trade.

Agricultural Culture and Meteorological Beliefs

Traditional Rice Cultivation Rituals

• Rituals are conducted to pray for the arrival of the rainy season before planting rice, wishing for a bountiful harvest.
• During the harvest festival, rainwater is sacred, and gratitude is expressed through a series of dances and songs.

Religious Events and Meteorological Conditions

Catholic Festivities and the Rainy Season

• Christmas (December 25) and Easter coincide with the rainy season; therefore, rain contingency measures are essential for outdoor events.
• Water collection facilities are established on church grounds to reuse rainwater for ritual and agricultural purposes.

Weather Adaptation in Daily Life

Housing Structure and Material Selection

• Traditional houses are built on stilts to ensure ventilation, keeping the interior cool even during the humid rainy season.
• Roof materials such as palm leaves and bamboo are used, resulting in a design that is lightweight and excellent at drainage.

Utilization of Modern Weather Information

Weather Observation and Community Sharing

• Weekly weather forecasts provided through satellite data and radio broadcasts are listened to and utilized for planning in rural areas.
• With the proliferation of smartphones, there is an increasing number of cases where rain volume information and flood warnings are shared via LINE and WhatsApp.

Summary

The climate culture of East Timor is characterized by the adaptation to the rainy and dry seasons unique to the tropics, integrated with traditional events that have deeply rooted themselves in daily life and religious rituals.