A Tropical Disturbance, designated TD03F, has been upgraded to a Tropical Depression, which is anticipated to bring substantial rainfall and strong northerly winds to Fiji in the coming days. The Fiji Meteorological Service indicates that TD03F is currently moving slowly over open waters northeast of Vanuatu, tracking southeastward towards Fiji.
The system is projected to enter Fiji’s waters on Tuesday, December 16, and is expected to exit through the Lau Group by late Wednesday, December 17. Despite a low likelihood of escalating into a tropical cyclone, the associated trough of low pressure is already affecting conditions in Fiji, leading to overcast skies and intermittent to persistent rainfall.
From Tuesday through Wednesday, strong northerly winds are anticipated, averaging 50 km/h, with gusts reaching up to 70 km/h. These winds are expected to impact the northern parts of Vanua Levu, Yasawa and Mamanuca Groups, northern Lau, and Lomaiviti Groups significantly.
Mariners should prepare for northerly winds of 15–20 knots, with moderate to rough seas that could escalate to 30 knots with gusts up to 40 knots on Wednesday in the waters surrounding Vanua Levu, Yasawa, Mamanuca Groups, Koro Sea, and northern Lau.
The forecast suggests that unsettled weather will persist across Fiji until Wednesday, with rainfall likely to intensify as TD03F approaches from the west. However, a gradual improvement in weather conditions is expected starting Thursday, providing a hopeful outlook after a challenging period.
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