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Winds From June to October, South East Trade winds predominate throughout the region, averaging 12 to 15 knots, but somewhat lighter (5 to 10 knots) in equatorial waters. East of 160°E, South East Trades blow with considerable consistency for most of the year. In October winds become variable from the equator to 5°S, heralding the North West Monsoon which spreads progressively from the northwest of the region. Wind speeds are generally around 5 to 10 knots. The North West Monsoon usually spreads to 5°S by November, to 10°S by December and to 15°S (165°E) by February. In March the North West Monsoon begins to withdraw. By May, the South East Trades have re-established over the region, except for the equatorial region to the east of 150°E (north of Papua New Guinea), where winds from the east to northeast persist a little longer. In Vanuatu, in the far southeast of the region, South East Trades predominate from May to October but are sometimes interrupted by short periods of calm, generally followed by east to northeast winds with rain. From December to April winds are more variable between east and west and calms more frequent. Tropical depressions, storms and cyclones occur regularly in the region during the North West Monsoon season, with peak frequency in January, February and March. Although initial development sometimes occurs between 5°S and 10°S, formation and intensification usually occurs between 10°S and 15°S. Movement may be in any direction but usually has a southern component and most often towards the southeast or southwest.
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