Réunion Island, in the southern Indian Ocean, has set multiple world rainfall records due to intense storms, particularly Cyclone Giselle in 1964 and another significant event in 2007. Notably, rainfall totals exceeded what Miami typically sees in a year, demonstrating extreme weather patterns influenced by the island’s topography and geographic location as part of a cyclone corridor.
Réunion Island, located in the southern Indian Ocean, recorded several astonishing world rainfall records during the last week of February, stemming from two intense storms. Notably, between February 28 and 29 in 1964, Category 1 Cyclone Giselle impacted the island, resulting in extraordinary rainfall amounts not primarily characterized by wind intensity but by the deluge itself. The reporting station at Belouve documented the following unprecedented totals:
– 30.16 inches in 6 hours
– 42.79 inches in 9 hours
– 52.76 inches in 12 hours
– 66.49 inches in 18.5 hours
Remarkably, these figures represent nearly the same amount of rainfall that Miami receives over an entire year, approximately 67.41 inches, condensed into less than 24 hours. Additionally, in a notable event 18 years ago, Réunion Island experienced another record-breaking downpour from February 24 to 27, 2007, with the Cratère Commerson station registering 154.72 inches of rain over 72 hours and 194.33 inches in 96 hours. These measurements remain the official world records for their respective durations, according to the World Meteorological Organization.
The heavy rainfall experienced by Réunion can be attributed to its geographical position in an active corridor of South Indian Ocean tropical cyclones, as well as its unique terrain characterized by several volcanic peaks, with the tallest reaching just over 10,000 feet. The elevation of the island significantly contributes to the intensification of rainfall rates, as moist winds from slow-moving tropical storms are forced upward by the steep landscape, enhancing precipitation levels.
This article was originally featured in the latest edition of the Morning Brief newsletter. Those interested can subscribe for daily updates from The Weather Channel and its meteorological experts. Jonathan Erdman, a senior meteorologist at weather.com, has been analyzing weather patterns globally since 1996, specializing in extreme and unusual weather phenomena. He invites inquiries via social media platforms such as Bluesky, X (previously known as Twitter), and Facebook.
Réunion Island has made headlines due to its record-setting rainfalls, demonstrating its vulnerable position within cyclone pathways and its steep volcanic terrain that exacerbates precipitation. Historical events, like Cyclone Giselle in 1964 and the 2007 storm, showcase the island’s capacity for extraordinary rainfall in short periods. Understanding these climatic extremes is crucial for meteorological studies and disaster preparedness.
Original Source: weather.com
