Tropical Disturbance TD03F has been officially upgraded to a Tropical Depression, bringing potential risks of significant rainfall and strong northerly winds to Fiji in the coming days. The Fiji Meteorological Service has reported that the disturbance remains stationary over open waters northeast of Vanuatu, now moving southeast between Fiji and Vanuatu.
Anticipated to reach Fiji’s waters by Tuesday, December 16, the system is projected to traverse the Lau Group by late Wednesday, December 17. While TD03F currently has a low chance of evolving into a full tropical cyclone, its associated trough of low pressure is already impacting Fiji, resulting in overcast skies and varying levels of rainfall across the region.
From Tuesday through Wednesday, strong northerly winds are forecasted, with average speeds of 50 km/h and gusts potentially reaching 70 km/h. Areas particularly vulnerable include the northern parts of Vanua Levu, the Yasawa and Mamanuca Groups, northern Lau, and the Lomaiviti Groups, where the effects of these winds are expected to be most severe.
Maritime activities may face challenges as sailors should prepare for northerly winds ranging from 15 to 20 knots, with sea conditions likely becoming moderate to rough. The situation is expected to worsen on Wednesday, with gusts increasing to 30 knots and even reaching 40 knots in certain areas such as the waters around Vanua Levu, the Yasawa and Mamanuca Groups, the Koro Sea, and northern Lau waters.
The unsettled weather conditions across Fiji are anticipated to continue through Wednesday, with increased rainfall as TD03F approaches from the west. Nevertheless, a gradual improvement in weather is forecast to begin Thursday, offering a hopeful outlook for the region as it recovers from the effects of this tropical disturbance.