Heavy Rain Alert For Fiji Group

A heavy rain alert is in force for the whole of Fiji Group with heavy falls that may lead to flash flooding of low-lying and flood-prone areas.

Low pressure

This is because of an active trough of low pressure that is expected to approach the group from the northwest of Fiji. Fiji Meteorological Service senior meteorologist Amit Singh said the trough would gradually move southeast and affected most parts of the country from today until Friday.

Rainfall

“There is an expectation of occasional periods of rain, heavy at times, and thunderstorms,” Mr Singh said.

“Afternoon or evening thunderstorms which are common during this time of the year have the potential to produce intense amounts of rainfall within a few hours.

“Also, during this time of the year, moisture is abundant in the environment, and with more heating, afternoon and evening thunderstorms risk is elevated.

“Heavy rainfall can be experienced in a short duration of a few hours.”

FMS also revealed that conditions are expected to ease on Friday, but isolated heavy falls with thunderstorms in the afternoon and evening may continue.

It would continue to monitor this weather event and update warnings and forecasts accordingly.

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