Tropical Disturbance TD03F has been elevated to a Tropical Depression and is poised to bring heavy rain and strong northerly winds to Fiji in the coming days. The Fiji Meteorological Service reports that TD03F is currently slow-moving over open waters northeast of Vanuatu and is tracking southeastward between Fiji and Vanuatu.
The system is anticipated to enter Fiji waters on Tuesday, December 16, and exit through the Lau Group by late Wednesday, December 17. While the potential for TD03F to develop into a full tropical cyclone remains low, its accompanying trough of low pressure is already impacting Fiji, leading to overcast skies and intermittent to persistent rainfall across the region.
From Tuesday through Wednesday, strong northerly winds are expected, averaging 50 km/h with gusts reaching up to 70 km/h. These winds will particularly affect the northern parts of Vanua Levu, the Yasawa and Mamanuca Groups, as well as northern Lau and Lomaiviti Groups. Mariners should be cautious, as northerly winds of 15–20 knots, with moderate to rough seas, may escalate to up to 30 knots with gusts of 40 knots on Wednesday over Vanua Levu waters, the Yasawa and Mamanuca Groups, the Koro Sea, and northern Lau waters.
Unsettled weather conditions are forecast to persist across Fiji through Wednesday, with increased rainfall as TD03F approaches from the west. Fortunately, a gradual improvement in weather is expected starting Thursday, providing a sense of hope for those affected by the system.