Current Weather in Samoa

The cultural and meteorological awareness regarding the climate of Samoa is deeply rooted in daily life, traditional events, architectural styles, beliefs, and modern problem-solving. The main elements are summarized below.

Sense of Season in Tropical Climate

Awareness of Rainy and Dry Seasons

• Samoa has a tropical rainforest climate, divided into the rainy season from November to April and the dry season from May to October.
• During the rainy season, it is heavily influenced by heavy rains and typhoons, which are incorporated into life and agricultural planning.

Weather Forecasting through Oral Tradition

• Observations of cloud colors, wind directions, and bird flight patterns have led to wisdom being passed down, such as "When the line of clouds stretches from west to east, it will be clear."
• Predictions are woven into songs and poems (talofa) and passed down orally to the next generation.

Agricultural Calendar and Harvest Festivities

Cultivation Cycle of Main Crops

• The growth of taro (alu) and breadfruit (ulu) provides a clear sense of season.
• Planting takes place at the end of the dry season, and harvesting is concentrated at the beginning of the rainy season.

Role of the Harvest Festival (Fa‘aālēga)

• The harvest festival involves sharing the crops harvested together, strengthening community bonds.
• As a ceremony to express gratitude for the blessings of the weather, dance and song are indispensable.

Fishing Culture and Ocean Meteorological Knowledge

Weather Observation for Navigation

• In canoe fishing, reading wave heights, tidal currents, and wind directions ensures stable navigation.
• At night, constellations and moonlight are relied upon to predict changes in climate at sea.

Rituals and Prayers for Abundant Catches

• Before fishing, offerings are made to the gods (Atua) to pray for a bountiful catch.
• The content of rituals is changed according to the weather conditions to maintain harmony with nature.

Climate Adaptation through Traditional Architecture

Stilt Houses (Fale)

• Ensuring ventilation by allowing wind to flow underneath keeps it comfortable even during the humid rainy season.
• The structure prevents flooding and mitigates damage during heavy rains.

Innovations in Roof and Wall Materials

• Thatched roofs made from coconut leaves combine breathability with water resistance.
• An open wall structure allows cool breezes to more easily enter the interior.

Weather Beliefs and Oral Traditions

Beliefs in Weather Gods

• There are gods (Atua) governing meteorological phenomena, such as the thunder god and rain god, worshipped in rituals for stable weather.
• These are linked to annual events, expressing gratitude through sacred poems and dances.

Knowledge Transmission through Talofa

• The traditional poems (talofa) record past unusual weather and countermeasures, utilized as practical wisdom.
• Local traditions vary, forming the identity of communities.

Modern Climate Issues and Awareness

Preparation for Climate Change

• In response to rising sea levels and increased flooding risks, disaster prevention education is being reinforced in schools and local governments.
• Early warning systems for residents have been established using weather data.

Collaboration between Weather and Industries

• In ecotourism, safe and pleasant experiences are provided based on weather forecasts.
• In agriculture, optimization of production planning using weather information is progressing, pursuing sustainability.

Summary

Samoa's climate awareness integrates tropical seasonal characteristics into culture, beliefs, architecture, and industries, balancing tradition with modern challenges.