A heavy rain warning and a flash flood alert remain in force for the entire Fiji group as Tropical Cyclone Vaianu continues to influence the region. Vaianu, analysed as a Category 2 system at 975 hPa and located about 500 km west‑northwest of Yasawa‑i‑Rara (around 520 km WNW of Nadi) at midday, is moving southeast at about 10 km/h. A trough of low pressure associated with the cyclone lies over Fiji, bringing extensive cloud, periods of rain and thunderstorms that are expected to persist for the next few days.
The northern division, Yasawa and Mamanuca groups, the western half of Viti Levu (from Sigatoka–Coral Coast through Nadi to Rakiraki), Kadavu and nearby islands will see the strongest impacts. Expect fresh to strong northeasterly winds of 30–45 km/h with gusts to 70 km/h today, turning northerly and increasing to around 60 km/h with gusts up to 90 km/h from tomorrow. Seas will be rough to very rough, and rain will be occasional to frequent, heavy at times with a risk of thunderstorms. Localised heavy falls may lead to flash flooding of low‑lying and flood‑prone areas.
Elsewhere across the group, northeasterly to northerly winds will strengthen, with many areas seeing winds to 45 km/h and gusts to 70 km/h developing from tomorrow. Conditions will remain unsettled for Navua, Suva, Nausori, Labasa, Savusavu, Nabouwalu, Taveuni, Lau and Lomaiviti and other centres, with periods of heavy rain and the chance of storms. Temperatures are little changed, broadly near 29°C by day and lows around 21°C tomorrow, rising to overnight minimums in the mid‑20s by Wednesday as winds shift northwesterly.
Rotuma is also affected by an active trough and has a separate strong wind warning in force for both land and waters. Expect strong northeasterly winds to around 45 km/h with gusts to 55 km/h over land; over surrounding waters winds are forecast at 20–25 knots with gusts to 30 knots. Seas around Rotuma will be rough, with occasional to periods of heavy rain and thunderstorms continuing.
Given the heavy rain warning and flash flood alert, residents should take care in low‑lying areas, avoid driving through flooded roads, and be prepared for localized flooding and stream rises. Coastal and small‑craft operators should expect hazardous seas and heed marine advisories. Monitor updates from the National Weather Forecasting Centre and refer to the Special Weather Bulletins on heavy rain and flash floods at https://www.met.gov.fj/alerts/ for the latest information.
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