Tropical Cyclone Vaianu 2026

Live tracking map, satellite, radar, and forecasts of Tropical Cyclone Vaianu 2026 north of New Zealand. Current wind speed 100km/h. Max 185km/h.

Vaianu is located 969 km south of Suva, Fiji, and has tracked south-southeastward at 11 km/h (6 knots) over the past 6 hours. Minimum central pressure at 09/06:00 UTC is 981 hPa. Maximum significant wave height is 8.2 meters (27 feet).

Animated infrared imagery shows a partially exposed low-level circulation center with a burst of convection over the southern semicircle. The system exhibits a hybrid structure consisting of swirling mid-level clouds and little central convection, located in an unfavorable environment characterized by 55 km/h (30 knots) of wind shear and 25°C sea surface temperatures.

Analysis shows weak temperature advection and an upper level trough directly aloft. The position and intensity are assessed with high confidence based on the exposed center and a 08/23:30 UTC oscat-3 image depicting 95 km/h winds (50 knots), respectively.

The system will be steered towards the south by a deep layer ridge to the east. Vaianu will turn towards the southwest as a ridge approaches New Zealand from the west and induces a more westward motion.

Weak baroclinic forcing will cause the system to complete subtropical transition in 12 hours and help to sustain its intensity over the next 24 hours, followed by gradual weakening.

The forecast track and intensity are set with high confidence based on the multi-model consensus.

This is the final warning on this system by JTWC. The system will be closely monitored for signs of regeneration.