[1] This unusual distribution of tropical cyclones was attributed to the relatively rapid development of an active South Pacific Convergence Zone over an area of cooler than normal sea surface temperatures during January and February 1989.

[1][2][3] At around this time the system was located about 525 km (325 mi) to the southwest of Nadi, Fiji and had started to move south-westwards as it interacted with a trough of low pressure in the Tasman Sea.

[3][4] During December 24, the system intensified further, before the FMS reported later that day that Eseta had peaked with 10-minute sustained wind speeds of 100 km/h (65 mph).

[2] The heavy rain lead to widespread flooding over various parts of the island nation, with minor damage to roads and crops reported.

[8][10] During the next day Delilah started to weaken and transition into an extra tropical cyclone, as vertical wind shear over the system increased and the upper level westerlies intensified.

[2] The FMS subsequently named the system Fili during January 5, after it had become a Category 2 tropical cyclone with peak wind speeds of 95 km/h (60 mph).

On February 7, TCWC Nadi reported that a shallow depression had developed, within the monsoon trough about 800 km (495 mi) to the west of Vanuatu.

[14] The system subsequently moved south-westwards and was classified as a moderate tropical storm during February 23, by the French Polynesian Meteorological Service.

[10][16] The system was subsequently named Meena by TCWC Nadi during May 4, as it had developed into a category 1 tropical cyclone on the Australian scale.

[16] Meena subsequently moved into the Australian region during May 5, where it reached its peak intensity before making landfall on the Cape York Peninsular during May 9.