A heavy rain warning continues to be in effect across Fiji as Tropical Cyclone Urmil tracks farther from the nation but still influences the weather. At 5 AM, the cyclone was situated approximately 480 kilometers southwest of Kadavu, moving southeast away from Fiji. Despite this movement, the system’s active rainbands and strong northwesterly winds are impacting the western and southern regions of the country.
A flash flood alert is currently in place for the Western Division, affecting areas from Sigatoka to Nadi, Lautoka, Ba, Tavua, and Rakiraki. Localized heavy downpours may lead to flash flooding in lower-lying and especially vulnerable regions.
Furthermore, strong wind warnings apply to the Western Division, including the Yasawa Islands, Mamanuca Islands, Kadavu, Lau Islands, Lomaiviti Islands, as well as Macuata, Bua, and Taveuni provinces. In the western areas, winds are expected to average about 45 kilometers per hour with gusts reaching up to 75 kilometers per hour. In Macuata and Bua, wind speeds may increase to around 40 kilometers per hour with gusts up to 60 kilometers per hour. As a result, rough to very rough seas are anticipated, which presents risks for mariners.
Throughout much of Fiji, occasional heavy rain and thunderstorms are likely to persist into the evening. In the Central Division, including Suva, Nausori, and Navua, heavy showers and thunderstorms are forecast, with temperatures hovering between 25 and 30 degrees Celsius. Similar weather is expected in the Northern Division, where strong winds could accompany heavy rain, leading to localized flooding.
Maritime areas, including the Yasawa and Mamanuca groups, as well as Lau, Lomaiviti, and Kadavu, are advised to prepare for ongoing strong northwesterly winds and heavy rain, with rough seas projected to continue into Monday.
Additional attention is being given to Rotuma, where a heavy rain alert remains active. A trough of low pressure to the west of the island is generating occasional heavy rain and isolated thunderstorms, accompanied by moderate to fresh northeasterly winds and moderate to rough seas.
The Fiji Meteorological Service urges the public to remain cautious, particularly in flood-prone areas, and to stay informed through official weather updates. With the cyclone moving away, there is hope that conditions will stabilize, but vigilance remains crucial.
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