Fiji is likely to experience below-normal rainfall through to February 2027, as a strong El Niño event continues in the tropical Pacific Ocean.
The Fiji Meteorological Service, in its latest Climate Outlook released yesterday, says global climate models indicate the current El Niño could strengthen further and reach strong to very strong intensity.
The event is expected to persist through the remainder of 2026 and into early 2027.
For September, below-normal rainfall is forecast across the Western, Central, Northern and Eastern divisions as well as Rotuma.
The dry outlook is expected to continue during the September to November period, with all divisions again forecast to receive below-normal rainfall.
The same conditions are projected for December 2026 to February 2027, indicating the possibility of an extended period of reduced rainfall across the country.
Temperatures are also expected to be cooler than normal in the coming months.
Both maximum and minimum temperatures are likely to be below normal across Fiji and Rotuma during September, with similar conditions forecast for the September to November period.
The Fiji Meteorological Service said present oceanic and atmospheric conditions were indicative of a strong El Niño, with current signals favouring further intensification.
“El Niño usually brings below normal rainfall to Fiji,” the outlook stated.
However, the weather office cautioned that the effects of El Niño were not identical from one event to another.
“No two El Niño events are same, and their impacts on rainfall and temperature can vary in timing, location, and intensity.”
Other climate drivers and local weather conditions could also influence the amount of rainfall received.
Members of the public have been advised to remain informed by following the latest climate outlooks, weather forecasts and advisories issued by the Fiji Meteorological Service.
