Tropical Disturbance TD03F has officially been upgraded to a Tropical Depression and is set to impact Fiji with heavy rainfall and strong northerly winds in the upcoming days. According to the Fiji Meteorological Service, the system remains slow-moving over open waters northeast of Vanuatu and is currently tracking southeastward between Fiji and Vanuatu.
As it is projected to enter Fiji’s waters on Tuesday, December 16, the system is expected to affect areas through the Lau Group by late Wednesday, December 17. While the potential for TD03F to develop into a tropical cyclone is low, it has already begun to induce a trough of low pressure that is leading to overcast conditions and intermittent to persistent rainfall across Fiji.
Significant northerly winds are anticipated, averaging 50 km/h with gusts reaching up to 70 km/h from Tuesday through Wednesday. These winds will particularly impact the northern regions of Vanua Levu, the Yasawa and Mamanuca Groups, northern Lau, and Lomaiviti Groups. Mariners should prepare for northerly winds of 15–20 knots, with seas turning moderate to rough, escalating to 30 knots with gusts of up to 40 knots on Wednesday in the waters around Vanua Levu, Yasawa and Mamanuca Groups, the Koro Sea, and northern Lau.
The tropical depression is likely to maintain unsettled weather across Fiji until Wednesday, with rainfall amounts expected to increase as TD03F approaches from the west. Fortunately, a gradual improvement in weather conditions is anticipated starting Thursday, bringing hope for brighter skies ahead.
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