Keep those umbrellas and waterproof coats handy as the weatherman forecasts rain from later today.

The national weather forecasting centre in Nadi says a weak trough of low pressure lies slow moving over the Fiji group; and another approaches the group from the Northwest.

The associated clouds and rain are expected to affect the country from later today until Friday.

Also, showers increasing to rain has been forecast and will gradually spread to the rest of the country from later today, and will become frequent and heavy tomorrow.

Localised heavy falls may lead to flash flooding of low-lying and flood-prone areas.