An active trough of low pressure associated with Tropical Depression TD11F is lying over the Fiji group and will keep the country cloudy with widespread rain and thunderstorms for the next few days. A Heavy Rain Warning remains in force for the Northern Division, interior and eastern parts of Viti Levu, Lomaiviti and the Yasawa group, while a Heavy Rain Alert covers the rest of Fiji. Strong wind watches are also in place, with a Strong Wind Warning for land areas of the Northern Division, Yasawa and Mamanuca, and Strong Wind Alerts for parts of the west and south.
TD11F was analysed about 620 km west-northwest of Yasawa at 6pm on Sunday; its associated trough will maintain persistent cloud and rain. Expect occasional to periods of rain, heavy at times, with a few thunderstorms over the Northern Division, the interior and eastern areas of Viti Levu (including Serua–Namosi–Naitasiri through to Suva–Nausori–Tailevu North and Ra–Rakiraki), Lomaiviti and the Yasawa islands. Across other parts of Fiji rain will be occasional initially but is likely to become more frequent and heavy, particularly in the afternoon and evening. Localised heavy falls may lead to flash flooding in low-lying and flood-prone areas.
Winds will strengthen from tomorrow. Over land areas of the Northern Division, Yasawa and Mamanuca expect northeasterly winds developing up to about 45 km/h with gusts to 55 km/h; elsewhere winds will be moderate to fresh northeasterlies, gusty at times. Seas will be rough. The outlook for Tuesday indicates a further increase in wind strength for many areas, with northerly winds averaging up to 55 km/h and gusts to 75 km/h over the Northern Division, Yasawa and Mamanuca, Nadi–Lautoka–Ba, Tavua–Rakiraki, Sigatoka–Coral Coast, Kadavu and nearby smaller islands, along with occasional heavy rain and isolated thunderstorms and moderate to rough seas.
Rotuma remains affected by the active trough with a Strong Wind Warning in force for land and waters. Over land expect strong northeasterly winds up to 45 km/h with gusts to 55 km/h. Over the surrounding waters, northeasterly winds of 20–25 knots gusting to 30 knots will produce rough seas. Occasional rain, heavy at times, with a few thunderstorms is expected, and the bulletin notes that strong winds, rain and thunderstorms will continue into Tuesday.
Temperatures across most centres will be fairly steady through the period. Navua, Suva and Nausori are forecast around Min 24, Max 29 with similar values for Natadradave/Korovou and many northern and eastern stations. Yasawa, Mamanuca, Labasa, Savusavu, Nabouwalu and Taveuni are also in the mid-20s for minima and around 29 for maxima. Nadi, Lautoka and Ba, and Sigatoka/Coral Coast see daytime highs near 29–30. Monitor updates from the National Weather Forecasting Centre and the special heavy rain bulletin at https://www.met.gov.fj/alerts for any changes; residents and visitors in low-lying and flood-prone areas should be aware of the increased risk of flash flooding, and marine interests should note the rough sea warnings.
Leave a comment