1988–89 South-West Indian Ocean cyclone season

The 1988–89 South-West Indian Ocean cyclone season was an active season that featured several storms moving near or over the Mascarene Islands or Madagascar. The eleven tropical storms was two greater than average, of which five became tropical cyclones – a storm with maximum sustained winds over 10 minutes of 120 km/h (75 mph) or greater. Storms were monitored by the Météo-France office (MFR) on Réunion island in an official capacity, as well as the American Joint Typhoon Warning Center (JTWC) on an unofficial base. The season began early with Moderate Tropical Storm Adelinina forming in early November, and continued through the middle of April. Adelinina was one of two storms to form in November, the other being Tropical Cyclone Barisaona which crossed from the adjacent Australian basin.

After no activity in December, there were four storms in January, including the most notable of the season – Cyclone Firinga. The storm caused ₣1 billion (1989 francs, $157 million 1989 USD) in damage when it struck Réunion. Tropical Cyclone Calasanjy also formed in the month, causing heavy damage when it struck western Madagascar. Three storms formed in February, the second of which, Hanitra, also crossed from the Australian basin. This storm, as well as later Tropical Cyclone Krisy, were the strongest of the season, attaining peak 10‑minute winds of 150 km/h (93 mph). Tropical Cyclone Jinabo was the first of three storms to form in quick succession in late March, the others being Krisy and Tropical Storm Lezissy. Jinabo originated off the east coast of Madagascar and dropped heavy rainfall on Réunion. Krisy took a similar track and passed within 100 km (62 mi) of Rodrigues and Mauritius, causing heavy crop damage. Lastly, Tropical Storm Lezissy merged with Krisy and dissipated on April 11 to end the season.