Fiji Braces for Heavy Rain and Flood Risk as Weather System Lingers

Heavy rain alert persists for Fiji as trough of low pressure lingers

A heavy rain alert remains in force across the Fiji Group as a slow-moving trough of low pressure continues to affect the region, bringing cloud, rain and the risk of heavy downpours. Forecasters warn that rainfall will intensify from later today through Thursday, with occasional heavy rain and a few thunderstorms developing from the west and gradually spreading across the country.

Localised heavy falls may lead to flash flooding in low-lying and flood-prone areas, so residents are urged to stay alert and heed official warnings. The outlook for Thursday remains unsettled, with heavy rain and thunderstorms over the Lau and Lomaiviti groups, before easing to showers later in the day.

What this means for affected areas
– Widespread showers and thunderstorms are expected in parts of Suva, Nausori, Tailevu, Sigatoka, the Coral Coast, and the interiors of Ra-Rakiraki, Naitasiri, Serua, and Namosi.
– The Lau and Lomaiviti groups are forecast to experience the heaviest rain through Thursday, with a gradual easing of conditions later in the day.
– Other regions can expect cloudy periods with showers or isolated heavy downpours, as the system slowly moves across the country.

What to do
– Monitor updates from local weather authorities and heed any flood advisories.
– Secure loose items, prepare rain gear, and avoid driving through flooded roads or stalled water on roadways.
– If you live in low-lying or flood-prone areas, consider readiness plans and have essentials on hand in case of sudden flooding.

Potential benefits
– While the rain brings disruption and risk, it can help replenish water supplies for communities and agriculture that rely on steady rainfall.

Overall takeaway
– The Fiji Group faces several more days of unsettled weather as a trough of low pressure lingers, bringing periods of heavy rain and the threat of flash flooding, especially in low-lying regions and near streams.

Summary: A continuing heavy rain alert due to a slow-moving trough is bringing heavy rain and thunderstorms across Fiji through Thursday, with Lau and Lomaiviti likely to see the strongest rainfall and flash flood risk in vulnerable areas. Stay prepared and closely follow official updates.