Fiji is anticipating above-average rainfall until March, primarily due to the ongoing influence of a weak La Niña event in the region. This weather pattern raises concerns about flooding and potential disruptions to daily life.
La Niña conditions are known to intensify rainfall, especially during the wet season. Shweta Shiwangni, a scientific officer, noted that recent observations indicate mixed rainfall patterns for December, with many locations in the Western Division recording wetter-than-normal conditions.
Currently, the Central and Eastern Pacific Ocean shows cooler-than-average temperatures, indicating that this weak La Niña will likely persist over the next one to two months before transitioning to neutral conditions by early to late 2026. Shiwangni highlighted that both daytime and nighttime temperatures are expected to be above normal, which increases the risk of heat stress and could further complicate weather-related impacts.
From January to March 2026, above-normal rainfall is forecasted across the Fiji group, with normal or above-normal rainfall anticipated specifically for Rotuma. Temperatures during this same period are also predicted to be above average.
Given the potential for significant weather changes, the Fiji Meteorological Service is urging the public, as well as farmers and disaster management authorities, to stay vigilant as the wet season develops. This proactive approach aims to mitigate the impacts of potential flooding and other weather-related challenges.
Leave a comment