Fiji Braces for Heavy Afternoon Thunderstorms and Flash Flood Risk Across Viti Levu and Vanua Levu on March 19, 2026

A weakening trough over the eastern parts of the group, combined with a moist northeasterly wind flow, will bring cloudy periods and showers to many eastern and outer islands while leaving most other areas fine apart from the usual afternoon or evening showers. Isolated afternoon thunderstorms with heavy falls are expected over Viti Levu and Vanua Levu, and localised heavy falls may lead to flash flooding in low-lying and flood‑prone areas.

Cloudy periods with some showers are likely about Yasawa, the Serua‑Namosi and Navua‑Suva‑Nausori areas, Tailevu‑Naitasiri‑Ra, southern Bua, Cakaudrove and eastern Macuata, Taveuni and nearby smaller islands, Lau, Lomaiviti, Kadavu and nearby islets. Elsewhere conditions will generally be fine apart from the chance of afternoon or evening showers. People in susceptible valleys and flood‑prone coastal strips should be prepared for sudden heavy downpours during thunderstorms.

Across the main centres daytime temperatures will be warm, with maximums commonly around 31–32°C and night‑time minimums near 24–25°C. For Navua, Suva and Nausori expect cloudy periods with showers and isolated afternoon or evening thunderstorms (today’s maximum near 31°C; tomorrow around 24/32°C; Saturday about 25/32°C). Nadi, Lautoka and Ba will be generally fine apart from the odd late shower and isolated thunderstorms, with similar highs near 32°C. Note that Labasa is forecast to see afternoon thunderstorms with heavy falls on Saturday.

Moderate northeasterly winds are expected, tending easterly from tomorrow, with moderate seas around the group. Rotuma will remain under a moist easterly flow with cloudy periods, some showers and isolated thunderstorms, moderate to fresh easterly winds and moderate to rough seas — mariners and those planning coastal activities should exercise caution in these conditions.

The outlook into Saturday is largely a continuation of the same pattern: cloudy periods with showers persisting over the eastern divisions and island groups, fine elsewhere apart from afternoon or evening showers, and further isolated thunderstorms with heavy falls possible over Viti Levu and Vanua Levu. Localised flash flooding remains a possibility where heavy falls occur.