The Fiji Meteorological Service has issued a warning as a trough of low pressure approaches, signaling a shift in weather conditions that will lead to widespread rain and thunderstorms across the nation starting later today. This warning, released from the National Weather Forecasting Centre in Nadi at 10:45 AM, highlights that the trough, currently located to the west of Fiji, is advancing eastward and is expected to bring cloud cover, showers, and rain that could affect various regions throughout the day.
While some areas, including Ba-Tavua-Rakiraki, Tailevu-Naitasiri-Ra, Northern Bua, Macuata, Kadavu, Lau, and the Lomaiviti group, may experience fine weather with only brief showers, the weather office warns that ongoing rain and thunderstorms—with heavy downpours—will likely begin in the west and extend across the rest of the country. The risk of localized heavy rainfall poses a significant threat of flash flooding, particularly in low-lying and flood-prone areas.
Looking ahead to Saturday, continued occasional rain and isolated thunderstorms are forecast for regions such as Serua-Namosi, Navua-Suva-Nausori, Tailevu-Naitasiri-Ra, Southern Bua, Cakaudrove, Taveuni, Kadavu, Lau, and the Lomaiviti groups. Some areas could experience particularly heavy falls.
This recent weather update underscores the importance of preparedness and awareness in the face of changing conditions. Past advisories have shown a pattern of troughs bringing substantial rainfall, which while challenging, also offers opportunities for replenishing water resources beneficial to agriculture. As communities prepare, this situation serves as a reminder of their resilience in navigating adverse weather, promoting proactive measures to mitigate the impact of potential flooding and support local safety efforts.