The Papua New Guinea National Weather Service (PNG NWS) last night issued a Heavy Rain and Potential Flood Warning for several parts of the country.
It warned that intense rainfall over the next 12 to 24 hours could trigger flash flooding, river flooding and landslides.
The warning was issued by the Port Moresby NWS Forecasting and Warning Centre at 5:00pm on Wednesday, July 8, 2026.
According to the latest synoptic assessment, a trough line is extending south-eastward from the equator near 00.0°S, 149.5°E, passing through New Ireland Province and into the north-eastern Solomon Sea before extending further east across Bougainville and into the Pacific Ocean.
The weather system is creating areas of atmospheric convergence across parts of the country, including the New Guinea Islands, Momase, Highlands and Southern regions, as well as surrounding marine areas including the Coral Sea, Solomon Sea and Bismarck Sea.
The National Weather Service also identified inland PNG and the Highlands Region, including the Owen Stanley Range, as areas where local conditions and mountainous terrain are enhancing cloud formation and rainfall activity.
The potential warning areas include:
•Parts of New Ireland and Manus provinces
•New Britain
•Autonomous Region of Bougainville (AROB)
•Morobe Province
•Milne Bay Province
The Weather Service warned that heavy rainfall expected during the forecast period may lead to flash flooding and riverine flooding, particularly in vulnerable locations.
“Landslides are also likely to occur in prone areas,” the warning stated.
Residents, communities and authorities in affected areas have been urged to take necessary precautions, monitor weather updates and remain alert, especially those living near rivers, low-lying areas and steep slopes.