A heavy rain alert remains in force for the whole of Fiji as a weak trough of low pressure continues to bring cloud, showers and periods of rain across the group. A northerly wind flow is prevailing and will keep conditions unsettled through to later tomorrow before easing Wednesday night.
Most places can expect fine spells by day but with the risk of afternoon or evening showers and thunderstorms. Showers will become more frequent and increase to more widespread rain later today, with isolated heavy falls possible. Localised heavy falls may lead to flash flooding of low-lying and flood-prone areas. Rain is expected to ease over most areas Wednesday night. Moderate northerly winds are expected, with gusty conditions possible in areas of heavy showers, and seas generally moderate.
Looking ahead to Thursday, cloudy periods with some showers are forecast for Navua–Suva–Nausori, Tailevu–Naitasiri, Ra–Rakiraki, Kadavu and nearby smaller islands, eastern Macuata and Cakaudrove provinces, Taveuni and nearby smaller islands, and the Lau and Lomaiviti groups. Elsewhere will be mostly fine apart from the usual afternoon or evening showers, with afternoon or evening thunderstorms and isolated heavy falls still possible. Winds will tend more easterly and fresh at times, and seas will increase to moderate to rough in places.
Local forecasts for main centres carry similar themes. Navua, Suva and Nausori are expected to be fine apart from brief showers, but with afternoon or evening showers and thunderstorms and heavy falls possible (Min 23°C, Max 31°C). Nadi, Lautoka and Ba should see fine spells with brief showers and possible heavy evening storms (Min 23°C, Max 30°C). Labasa and northern centres can expect brief showers with heavy afternoon or evening falls at times (Labasa Min 22°C, Max 32°C). Rotuma will see occasional showers, heavy at times, with a few thunderstorms as the trough affects the island (Min 25°C, Max 32°C).
Practical points: the heavy rain alert covers the whole group — people in low-lying and flood-prone areas should be prepared for sudden rises in water levels and localised flash flooding while the trough persists. Mariners should note moderate seas now, becoming moderate to rough in places by Thursday, and gusty winds around heavier showers may affect small craft. For the official special weather bulletin on heavy rain and any updates, refer to the Fiji Meteorological Service alerts at https://www.met.gov.fj/alerts/.
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