Fiji has experienced some of its coldest July nights on record, with three weather stations registering new record-low minimum temperatures during the first 10 days of the month.
According to the Fiji Meteorological Service, Matei Airfield recorded 14.5°C on July 10, the lowest minimum temperature since observations began in 1956. The previous record of 15.5°C was set on July 20, 1986.
Vanuabalavu also set a new record when temperatures dropped to 14.6°C on July 3, breaking the previous record of 14.8°C recorded on July 5, 2005. Weather observations at the station date back to 1985.
Navua recorded a minimum temperature of 13.8°C on July 5, the lowest since weather records began there in 2010.
Nadarivatu, Fiji’s coldest location because of its high elevation, recorded the country’s lowest temperature during the period at 9.7°C. However, the Fiji Meteorological Service said this was not a record for the area, where such low temperatures are common during the cool season.
The weather office said the unusually cold nights occurred during Fiji’s cool and dry season from June to August, when persistent southeast trade winds, high-pressure systems and occasional cool air outbreaks from higher latitudes bring lower temperatures, reduced humidity and generally drier conditions.
While cool mornings are expected at this time of year, the service said the new temperature records highlight just how cold conditions have been across parts of the country.
The Fiji Meteorological Service says it will continue monitoring weather conditions and has encouraged the public to stay updated through its official forecasts and weather advisories.
