Historic Cyclone Hidaya Makes Landfall in Flood-Ravaged Tanzania
Tropical Cyclone Hidaya formed in the southwestern Indian Ocean on 29 April 2024 near the waters east of Tanzania and north of Madagascar.
The system strengthened into a Category 1 tropical cyclone on 2 May before reaching peak intensity on 3 May.
Hidaya reached maximum sustained winds of 148 km/h with a central pressure of 974 mb while moving toward the Tanzanian coast.
The cyclone made landfall near Mafia Island, Tanzania, on 4 May 2024, bringing heavy rainfall, strong winds, and coastal disruption.
Formation East of Madagascar: Hidaya’s Track Toward the Tanzanian Coast
Tropical Cyclone Hidaya began as a tropical depression on 29 April 2024 in the southwestern Indian Ocean near 6.9°S and 47.4°E. The system developed east of Tanzania and north of Madagascar, gradually organizing as it moved westward. The Regional Specialized Meteorological Centre La Réunion, operated by Météo-France, monitored the cyclone as it strengthened and moved across the basin.
During the early stage of development, Hidaya remained relatively weak. Initial observations recorded wind speeds of about 27 km/h and a central pressure near 1010 mb. The system continued consolidating through 30 April and 1 May, with pressure gradually falling and winds increasing as the circulation became better defined.
By 1 May, Hidaya had reached tropical storm intensity. The cyclone moved across the southwestern Indian Ocean toward the East African coastline, passing through waters between Madagascar and Tanzania. Madagascar was located within the broader regional weather environment, but the cyclone’s direct impacts were concentrated farther west near Tanzania.
The storm intensified significantly on 2 May. Wind speeds increased from tropical storm strength into Category 1 cyclone intensity, with observations showing winds reaching around 120 km/h and pressure falling near 980 mb later that day. Hidaya continued approaching the Tanzanian coast as authorities monitored the developing threat to coastal communities.
The cyclone formed during a period of severe weather conditions affecting parts of East Africa. Tanzania had already experienced flooding in several areas before Hidaya’s arrival, leaving some communities exposed to additional rainfall from the storm.
Peak Intensity off Tanzania: Hidaya’s Category 1 Cyclone Phase
Hidaya reached its maximum strength on 3 May 2024 as it approached the Tanzanian coastline. The cyclone recorded maximum sustained winds of approximately 148 km/h, equivalent to 80 knots, with a minimum central pressure of 974 mb. The strongest conditions occurred offshore near Tanzania before the system moved closer to land.
The cyclone maintained Category 1 intensity for a short period before weakening after reaching its peak. The circulation brought strong winds across coastal areas, while intense rainfall affected southeastern Tanzania. The most significant impacts were reported around Mafia Island and nearby coastal districts.
Mafia Island experienced strong winds, fallen trees, and disruptions to local services as the cyclone passed nearby. Marine transportation was affected, including ferry operations between Dar es Salaam and Zanzibar, as authorities restricted movement during hazardous weather conditions.
Heavy rainfall became one of the main hazards associated with Hidaya. Kilwa recorded 316.6 mm of rainfall in 24 hours on 4 May, with a two-day total reaching 428 mm during the cyclone period. The rainfall contributed to flooding in affected coastal areas of Tanzania.
The cyclone’s influence remained limited to the southwestern Indian Ocean region. Hidaya did not approach Australia, India, or the South Pacific islands, with its track remaining focused between Madagascar and the East African coastline.
Landfall Near Mafia Island: Hidaya Weakens Over East Africa
After reaching peak intensity, Hidaya weakened as it moved toward the Tanzanian coast. The cyclone’s winds decreased from Category 1 strength to tropical storm intensity on 4 May as interaction with land reduced the organization of the circulation.
Hidaya made landfall near Mafia Island, Tanzania, on 4 May 2024. Coastal communities experienced heavy rainfall and strong winds during the passage of the system. Local authorities focused on flood response, transportation safety, and emergency preparations as the cyclone moved inland.
Following landfall, Hidaya rapidly weakened into a tropical depression. By 4 May at 12:00 UTC, the system had dissipated near 7.7°S and 38.9°E, ending its track across the southwestern Indian Ocean.
The cyclone’s final observed structure showed a transition from a strengthening tropical depression on 29 April to a Category 1 tropical cyclone on 3 May, followed by weakening after landfall in Tanzania on 4 May. The recorded maximum intensity was 148 km/h winds and a 974 mb central pressure before dissipation.