Severe Weather Alert: Heavy Rain and Flash Floods Expected Across Northern Division and Yasawa Group

Weather Update

Issued from the National Weather Forecasting Centre Nadi at 5:30 AM on Friday, February 21, 2025

Grab your umbrellas, folks! A HEAVY RAIN ALERT is still hanging over the Northern Division and the Yasawa Group. This is not just a drizzle; we’re talking serious wetness! For full details, check the Special Weather Bulletin on Heavy Rain.

But that’s not all! A FLASH FLOOD ALERT is also in effect for small streams and low-lying, flood-prone areas of the Western half of Viti Levu (think Nadi, Sabeto, Lautoka, and all those bustling towns) and parts of Vanua Levu (from Dama to Labasa). So, let’s not be too shocked if you see a little more water than usual. More on that in the Special Weather Bulletin on Flash Floods.

What’s happening? Well, we have a lazy little trough of low pressure wigging out just north of Fiji, slowly deciding to drift southward today. Meanwhile, our friendly southeast winds are blowing in some moisture, setting the stage for a wet day ahead!

Forecast for today through midnight for Fiji:

Northern Division and Yasawa Group: Be prepared for some occasional showers—because who doesn’t love a surprise rain shower? Isolated thunderstorms are also crashing the party, especially over Cakaudrove Province, Southern Bua, and Yasawa. Expect those afternoon or evening showers to bring heavy falls through the rest of the Northern Division as well. Yay, more water!

Interior and Eastern half of Viti Levu: Expect cloudy periods with some showers—basically, the sky’s moody today. Isolated afternoon heavy falls and thunderstorms are on the schedule, so keep your raincoat close.

Elsewhere: You’ll find mostly fine conditions, punctuated by those cheeky afternoon or evening showers and thunderstorms that might bring heavy falls when you least expect it.

Heads up! Localized heavy falls could pave the way for flash flooding in low-lying areas, so stay vigilant.

Winds will be moderate to fresh, kicking up to 50 km/h across the Northern Division, with seas ranging from moderate to rough. So take care if you’re near the coast—your day might end up being a little ‘rocky’!

Outlook for Saturday: More rain on the horizon! Expect occasional rain, heavy at times, and maybe even some squally thunderstorms over the Northern Division, Yasawa, and Northern Lau Group. Showers will be on the rise everywhere else, making it more of a water park day than a beach luau.

For Navua/Suva/Nausori: Cloudiness will be your companion, along with some isolated afternoon downpours and thunderstorms.

For Nadi/Lautoka/Ba: It’s mostly fine but don’t let your guard down—afternoon or evening showers and thunderstorms could surprise you!

For Sigatoka/Coral Coast, Tavua/Rakiraki, and a few other spots: Same story—fine weather but keep an umbrella handy for those little storms.

For Labasa and Savusavu: Thunderstorms and heavy rain will be gossiping about how wet they are.

For Kadavu: It’s mostly okay, but don’t relax too hard—afternoon showers might just steal the show!

Now, for our friends in Rotuma: A STRONG WIND WARNING is in effect due to the active trough causing some serious weather drama. Expect windy conditions, rough seas, and periods of heavy rain and thunderstorms.

So, in summary: lots of rain, a dash of thunder, and some surprises today! Don’t forget to check in on your favorite raindance playlist while you wait for the skies to clear!