Trough of Low Pressure Near Fiji Triggers Heavy Showers, Afternoon Thunderstorms and Localised Flood Risk (March 17, 2026)

A trough of low pressure close to Fiji, combined with a moist northeast wind flow, will bring cloudy skies and showers to northeastern parts of the group through tomorrow, with afternoon thunderstorms and heavy falls possible across the larger islands. This bulletin was issued by the National Weather Forecasting Centre, Nadi, at 7:30 pm on Tuesday 17 March 2026.

Through to midnight tomorrow, occasional showers with isolated heavy falls are expected about Navua–Suva–Nausori, Tailevu–Naitasiri–Ra–Rakiraki, eastern Macuata, Cakaudrove, Taveuni and nearby smaller islands, the Lau and Lomaiviti groups, Kadavu and adjacent isles. Showers will ease to fewer and more scattered falls from tomorrow. Elsewhere across the group conditions will generally be fine apart from the typical afternoon or evening showers. Afternoon thunderstorms with heavy rainfall are likely over Viti Levu and Vanua Levu; localized heavy falls may lead to flash flooding in low‑lying or poorly drained areas.

Winds will be moderate northeasterly today with moderate seas across most coastal waters. Rotuma is expected to be affected by the trough later today into tomorrow under a moist easterly flow; the island will see cloudy periods with some showers, becoming occasional with isolated thunderstorms and heavy falls, accompanied by moderate to fresh easterly winds and moderate to rough seas.

The outlook for Thursday is 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, and the Lau, Lomaiviti and Kadavu groups. Elsewhere it will be mostly fine aside from afternoon or evening showers and thunderstorms, with afternoon thunderstorms and heavy falls again likely over Viti Levu and Vanua Levu. Winds are expected to ease to moderate easterlies with moderate seas.

Temperatures across most districts will remain around 25°C for lows and up to about 32°C by day. Mariners and coastal operators should note the moderate seas, and those in flood‑prone or low‑lying areas should be prepared for sudden heavy downpours and the potential for brief flash flooding during thunderstorms.