A heavy rain alert remains in force for the entire Fiji group as a trough of low pressure approaches from the west. The associated cloud band and showers are expected to affect the country through to later Tuesday, with a prevailing northwest to northeast wind flow over most islands. Occasional rain, isolated thunderstorms and locally heavy falls are likely across the group.
Through to midnight tomorrow most places will see occasional rain and isolated thunderstorms, with periods of heavy rain possible. Localised and persistent heavy falls may lead to flash flooding in low-lying and flood-prone areas, so caution is advised around river crossings and drainage channels. Winds will be moderate from the northwest to northeast and may freshen at times. Seas are expected to be moderate to rough, making conditions hazardous for small craft.
On Tuesday the heaviest activity is forecast to affect Vanua Levu, Taveuni and adjacent smaller islands, as well as parts of the Lau and Lomaiviti groups, where occasional rain and localised heavy falls may continue to produce flash flooding risks. Elsewhere the day is likely to feature cloudy periods with brief showers, with winds easing to a moderate northwest to southwest flow and seas generally moderating.
Most lowland and coastal centres — including Nadi, Lautoka, Ba, Sigatoka and the Coral Coast, the Yasawa/Mamanuca islands and many north- and east-coast towns — can expect occasional rain and the chance of isolated thunderstorms with heavy falls. Typical temperatures through this period are forecast with nighttime lows around 22–23°C and daytime highs near 28–29°C. Navua, Suva and Nausori should see showers become more frequent and turn to rain later today before easing to cloudy periods with brief showers on Tuesday.
Rotuma will be dominated by a southeast wind flow and remain mainly fine apart from brief showers for now, though some showers and isolated thunderstorms are possible from tonight. Moderate southeasterly winds will prevail and conditions there are expected to continue with occasional showers into Tuesday. For further information and updates consult the special weather bulletin on heavy rain at https://www.met.gov.fj/alerts/.