A heavy rain warning and a flash flood alert remain in force for the entire Fiji group as Tropical Cyclone Vaianu, analysed at 960 hPa and Category 3, lies to the west of Fiji. As of 6pm the cyclone was about 530 km west‑northwest of Yasawa‑i‑Rara and 460 km west of Nadi, moving southeast at roughly 8 km/hr and expected to be near 320 km west‑southwest of Yasawa‑i‑Rara by 6pm tomorrow. Strong winds, widespread heavy rain and rough seas are expected to affect most islands through the next 24–48 hours.
The Northern Division, Yasawa and Mamanuca groups, the western half of Viti Levu (from Sigatoka–Coral Coast through Nadi to Rakiraki), Kadavu and nearby smaller islands should prepare for fresh to strong northeasterly winds of 30–45 km/hr with gusts up to 70 km/hr today. Winds are forecast to become northerly and increase from tomorrow, reaching around 60 km/hr with gusts to 90 km/hr in these areas. Rain will be occasional to periods of rain, heavy at times, with a few thunderstorms. Localised heavy falls may produce flash flooding in low‑lying and flood‑prone areas, and isolated damage to older corrugated iron or timber houses, unsheltered structures and broken tree branches can be expected.
Elsewhere across the group, moderate to fresh northeasterly winds will become strong northerly winds from tomorrow, with speeds generally up to 45 km/hr and gusts to 70 km/hr. Coastal waters will be rough to very rough. Major centres including Nadi, Lautoka, Suva and the Coral Coast should expect occasional to periods of heavy rain and strengthening north to northwesterly winds into Wednesday. Temperatures are generally forecast with overnight lows near 21°C and daytime highs near 29°C for the immediate period, with slightly higher overnight minima (around 24°C) and continued unsettled conditions by Wednesday in many areas.
Rotuma remains affected by an active trough and a separate strong wind warning for its land areas and waters is in force. Expect strong northeasterly winds to about 45 km/hr with gusts to 55 km/hr over land, and northeasterly winds of 20–25 knots gusting to 30 knots over the waters. Seas around Rotuma are rough with occasional to periods of heavy rain and thunderstorms; the outlook indicates strong winds, rain and thunderstorms continuing into Wednesday.
People are urged to take the heavy rain and flash flood alerts seriously: avoid low‑lying and flood‑prone areas, secure loose outdoor items, and take care where rivers and drains are rising. Mariners should expect rough to very rough seas and heed marine advisories. For full details and updates refer to the Fiji Meteorological Service special bulletins at https://www.met.gov.fj/alerts/.
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