A tropical depression and its associated trough are keeping Fiji unsettled, with heavy rain and strong northeasterly winds expected to affect much of the group over the next few days. The National Weather Forecasting Centre in Nadi has the Heavy Rain Warning in force for the Northern Division, interior and eastern parts of Viti Levu, Lomaiviti and the Yasawa group, while a Heavy Rain Alert remains in force for the rest of Fiji. Strong wind warnings and alerts are also current for several divisions and island groups.
Tropical Depression TD11F was analysed about 704 km west‑northwest of Yasawa at midday and the trough of low pressure lies over the Fiji group. Periods of rain, heavy at times, with a few thunderstorms are expected over the Northern Division, interior and eastern Viti Levu (from Serua‑Namosi‑Naitasiri through to Suva‑Nausori‑Tailevu North, and Ra‑Rakiraki), the Lomaiviti and Yasawa groups. Elsewhere, occasional rain and isolated thunderstorms are expected, with rain becoming more frequent and heavy, particularly in the afternoon and evening. Localised heavy falls may lead to flash flooding of low‑lying and flood‑prone areas.
Wind and sea conditions will deteriorate, especially for northern and western waters. From tomorrow northeasterly winds are expected to strengthen, with average speeds up to 45 km/h and gusts to 55 km/h for the Northern Division, Yasawa and Mamanuca group, and moderate to fresh northeasterlies elsewhere; seas will be rough. The outlook for Tuesday shows further strengthening of northerly winds in many areas, with averages up to 55 km/h and gusts as high as 75 km/h, and moderate to rough seas. A Strong Wind Warning remains in force for Rotuma where winds over land up to 45 km/h (gusts to 55 km/h) and over waters northeasterlies of 20–25 knots gusting to 30 knots are expected, together with rough seas and occasional heavy rain and thunderstorms.
Local centres should prepare for wet and gusty conditions. Coastal and low‑lying communities around Suva, Nausori and Navua can expect occasional to periodic heavy rain and a few thunderstorms, while places such as Nadi, Lautoka, Ba, Sigatoka/Coral Coast, Tavua/Rakiraki, Labasa, Savusavu, Nabouwalu, Taveuni, Kadavu and the Lomaiviti and Lau groups will see similar wet spells with daytime temperatures generally near 29–30°C and overnight lows around 24°C. Rainfall is most likely to intensify during the afternoon and evening, increasing the risk of flash flooding in vulnerable areas.
Those in warned areas should take precautions now: secure loose outdoor items, avoid driving through flooded roads, and stay away from exposed coastlines during rough seas. Mariners should exercise caution and keep to official advisories. For the latest information and any changes to warnings, refer to the National Weather Forecasting Centre’s Special Weather Bulletins at https://www.met.gov.fj/alerts/
Leave a comment