A strong wind warning remains in force for large parts of Fiji and a heavy rain alert has been maintained as a slow‑moving trough of low pressure continues to sit over the islands, the Fiji Meteorological Service said in its latest bulletin.
The warning covers the Southern Lau Group, Yasayasa Moala, Kadavu and nearby islands, the Yasawa, Lau and Lomaiviti groups, and the southern and eastern half of Viti Levu from Sigatoka through Suva to Rakiraki. The weather office advised east to southeast winds of 35 to 45 km/h, with gusts up to 55 km/h expected in those areas, along with rough to very rough seas. Elsewhere across the group, winds are forecast to be moderate to fresh with moderate to rough seas.
“A trough of low pressure with associated clouds, showers and rain remains slow moving over Fiji and is expected to affect the group till later tomorrow,” the Met Service said, underlining that the system’s sluggish pace is prolonging unstable conditions. The extended stay of the trough is the latest development after earlier advisories signalled the approach of an active trough; today’s update shifts the emphasis to persistence rather than a rapid clearing.
A heavy rain alert remains active for the interior, southern and eastern parts of Viti Levu. Specific areas named by the Met Service include Rakiraki, Korovou, Naitasiri, Nausori, Suva, Navua and the Pacific Harbour to Sigatoka corridor. The alert also covers Cakaudrove, southern Bua, Taveuni, Lomaiviti and Kadavu. Forecast conditions include occasional rain, isolated thunderstorms and heavy downpours, which may cause flash flooding in low‑lying and flood‑prone localities.
Residents in the affected catchments are being warned to watch for sudden rises in river levels and for surface water flooding after intense bursts of rain. The Met Service highlighted that heavy falls in interior and coastal valleys are particularly likely while the trough remains in place. Local authorities have previously reported that heavy rain events in similar setups produce rapid runoff and drainage blockages in urban centres.
Mariners and people in exposed coastal areas were urged to exercise caution as sea conditions deteriorate. The Met Service specifically advised small craft to avoid venturing into affected waters while seas remain rough to very rough in passages around Kadavu, Lomaiviti and parts of southern Viti Levu. The Lau Group is expected to see occasional showers with the chance of isolated afternoon or evening thunderstorms and heavy falls.
This latest bulletin keeps a wide swathe of the country on alert through tomorrow as forecasters monitor whether the trough will begin to drift away or redevelop. In the meantime, communities in southern and eastern Viti Levu, the Lau and Lomaiviti groups, and the southern island chain are being asked to stay informed through official weather updates and to take precautions against strong winds, rough seas and possible flash flooding.