March 17, 2026: Fiji Braced for Heavy Showers, Afternoon Thunderstorms and Flood Risk as Trough of Low Pressure Lingers

A trough of low pressure near Fiji, combined with a moist northeast wind flow, will bring intermittent showers and isolated heavy falls to the northeastern and eastern parts of the group through tomorrow. The most persistent activity is expected over portions of Viti Levu and Vanua Levu, with afternoon thunderstorms likely to produce heavy downpours. Moderate northeasterly winds and moderate seas will prevail across most waters.

Occasional showers with isolated heavy falls are forecast for Navua–Suva–Nausori, Tailevu–Naitasiri–Ra–Rakiraki, eastern Macuata, Cakaudrove, Taveuni and nearby smaller islands, the Lau and Lomaiviti groups, Kadavu and nearby islets. Showers are expected to ease to some showers from tomorrow, but afternoon and evening thunderstorms with heavy falls remain likely over Viti Levu and Vanua Levu. Localised heavy falls may lead to flash flooding in low-lying and poorly drained areas, so residents in susceptible locations should remain watchful.

Elsewhere, conditions will be generally fine apart from the usual afternoon or evening showers, with towns such as Sigatoka, the Coral Coast, Nadi, Lautoka and Ba seeing the typical daytime build-up of showers and isolated storms. Daytime maximums across the affected areas are generally in the low 30s Celsius, with minima around the mid-20s; for example, Navua/Suva/Nausori and Natadradave/Korovou are forecast near 25–31°C tonight, rising to about 32°C in parts of Thursday’s outlook.

The outlook for Thursday calls for cloudy periods with some showers over Serua–Namosi, Navua–Suva–Nausori, Tailevu–Naitasiri–Ra, eastern Macuata, Cakaudrove, southern Bua, Taveuni and nearby smaller islands, plus the Lau, Lomaiviti and Kadavu areas. Conditions will be fine apart from afternoon or evening showers and thunderstorms elsewhere, with afternoon storms and heavy falls again likely over Viti Levu and Vanua Levu. Winds will ease to moderate easterlies and seas are expected to remain moderate.

Rotuma will be affected by the trough from later today into tomorrow. Cloudy periods with some showers are expected, with showers becoming occasional but including isolated thunderstorms and heavy falls from later today before easing later tomorrow. Rotuma can expect moderate to fresh easterly winds and moderate to rough seas, with temperatures near 25–33°C.