Tropical Disturbance TD03F has officially been upgraded to a Tropical Depression, posing potential risks of significant rainfall and strong northerly winds to Fiji in the days ahead. The Fiji Meteorological Service reports that the disturbance is currently stationary over open waters northeast of Vanuatu and is moving southeast between Fiji and Vanuatu.
The system is anticipated to reach Fiji’s waters by Tuesday, December 16, and will likely move through the Lau Group by late Wednesday, December 17. Although TD03F exhibits a low potential for developing into a full tropical cyclone, its associated trough of low pressure is already impacting Fiji, leading to overcast skies and varying degrees of rainfall.
Strong northerly winds, with average speeds of 50 km/h and gusts reaching 70 km/h, are expected from Tuesday through Wednesday. The northern areas of Vanua Levu, along with the Yasawa and Mamanuca Groups, northern Lau, and Lomaiviti Groups are predicted to experience the brunt of these winds.
For maritime activities, sailors should prepare for northerly winds between 15 to 20 knots, with seas becoming moderate to rough. Conditions are expected to worsen on Wednesday, with gusts of up to 30 knots and 40-knot bursts in certain regions including Vanua Levu waters, the Yasawa and Mamanuca Groups, the Koro Sea, and northern Lau waters.
Unsettled weather conditions across Fiji are likely to persist through Wednesday, with increased rainfall expected as TD03F approaches from the west. However, a gradual improvement in the weather is forecast beginning Thursday, offering a hopeful outlook for the region.