The Fiji Meteorological Service has announced its Early Action Rainfall Watch (EAR Watch) for the remainder of September through November, forecasting increased wet conditions for certain regions. Rotuma, along with several areas in the Northern and Western Divisions, faces a heightened risk of very wet weather. These insights serve as critical guidance for the National Disaster Management Office and other emergency stakeholders, especially as Fiji is currently experiencing an ENSO-neutral phase, indicating neither dominant El Niño nor La Niña conditions.
The outlook for September places Rotuma at a high probability (50–60%) of experiencing very wet weather, while areas like Rakiraki, Tavua, and Bua are expected to have a medium risk (30–40%) of heavy rainfall. Despite these predictions, there are no extreme rainfall alerts currently in effect for the rest of Fiji. The seasonal outlook from September to November forecasts a 40–50% chance of very wet conditions in areas such as Rotuma, Labasa, and parts of the Yasawa Group. A 30–40% chance of increased rainfall is also expected for many regions in the Western Division and parts of the Northern Division.
These forecasts align with similar reports predicting significant rainfall and potential wet conditions in regions like the Lomaiviti Group, Kadavu, and Ono-i-Lau during late November. Such proactive weather forecasting allows communities to prepare adequately and mitigate any impacts associated with heavy rainfall. The continuous emphasis on preparedness and informed community action further underscores the importance of these meteorological insights for safeguarding livelihoods and maintaining resilience in the face of changing weather patterns in Fiji.
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