A heavy rain alert remains in force for the whole of the Fiji group, and a coastal inundation alert has been issued for southern coastal areas of the Coral Coast/Sigatoka, the Mamanuca Islands, Kadavu and parts of southern Lau. A weak trough of low pressure with associated cloud, showers and rain will affect the islands through today, while a developing low well to the south is driving moderate southwesterly swells across Fijian waters.
Through tonight the islands can expect cloudy periods with showers over most places and afternoon or evening thunderstorms accompanied by heavy falls. Localised heavy rain may cause flash flooding in low-lying and flood-prone areas. Coastal sea flooding is likely during high tide along southern coastal parts of Coral Coast–Sigatoka, the Mamanucas, Vatulele, Kadavu and the southern Lau group. Winds are expected to be moderate northerly with moderate seas and moderate southwesterly swells.
On Thursday, cloudy periods with showers are most likely about Navua–Suva–Nausori, Tailevu–Naitasiri, Ra–Rakiraki, Kadavu and nearby smaller islands, eastern Macuata and Cakaudrove provinces, Taveuni and nearby smaller islands, and the Lau and Lomaiviti groups. Elsewhere conditions should be largely fine apart from the chance of afternoon or evening showers; afternoon and evening thunderstorms with isolated heavy falls remain possible. Winds will tend moderate to fresh from the east and seas are expected to be moderate to rough.
Locally, expect brief showers about Navua, Suva and Nausori with heavier afternoon or evening storms possible (minimum 23°C, maximum 31°C). Nadi, Lautoka and Ba will see cloudy periods and brief showers with thunderstorms later (min 23°C, max 30°C). Sigatoka and the Coral Coast, and the Yasawa/Mamanuca group, should also prepare for afternoon or evening storms and heavy falls; coastal sea flooding is likely during high tide in these zones. Kadavu, the Lau and Lomaiviti groups will experience showers with the risk of heavy evening thunderstorms and coastal inundation particularly for southern Lau coasts. Labasa, Savusavu, Nabouwalu and Taveuni will see periods of cloud and showers with thunderstorms possible; Rotuma has a slow-moving trough producing occasional heavy showers and a few thunderstorms (min 25°C, max 32°C), easing to some showers on Thursday.
Communities in low-lying coastal areas named in the coastal inundation alert should take care during high tides and be prepared for temporary inundation. Those in flood-prone inland areas should be alert to the risk of flash flooding and take precautions around river crossings. Mariners should be aware of moderate to rough seas and southwesterly swells and follow official updates and the special bulletins on heavy rain and coastal inundation at https://www.met.gov.fj/alerts/.
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