New Zealand's National Climate Centre, NIWA, says weather patterns in the Pacific moved towards a La Nina state during December.
NIWA principal scientist, Jim Salinger, says this means there may be more tropical cyclones in the Coral sea, up near Vanuatu and maybe New Caledonia.
But Dr Salinger says there may also be less tropical cyclone activity in other South Pacific countries.
"And those areas, we are looking at such as Samoa, Tonga and Niue. But of course there is always a risk of a tropical cyclone and people should always be prepared."
NIWA principal scientist, Jim Salinger.
The tropical cyclone season runs to the end of April, but January, February and March have the most activity in the southwest Pacific.
