Fiji faces a very high chance of very dry conditions continuing until January 2027, raising concerns over prolonged water shortages as the country grapples with worsening drought conditions.
The latest Early Action Rainfall Watch, issued on November 12 by FijiMet, warns that very dry conditions are highly likely across the entire Fiji Group over the next three months.
According to the rainfall outlook, there is a very high chance of very dry conditions across Fiji between November 15 and 28, except in parts of Kadavu and Moala, where the probability remains high.
The outlook also indicates a very high chance of very dry conditions throughout November and for the three-month period from November 2026 to January 2027.
The warning comes as several parts of the country are already experiencing significant rainfall deficiencies.
According to rainfall assessments up to October 2026, seriously dry conditions were recorded over the preceding three months in Vatulele, Yanuca, Kadavu, Ono, Lakeba and parts of the southern Lau Group.
Very dry conditions were also recorded in Nacocolevu, the Coral Coast, Navua, Suva, Nausori, Koronivia, Beqa, Batiki, Nairai, Matuku and parts of the northern Lau Group.
The 12-month rainfall assessment paints a wider picture of prolonged rainfall deficiencies affecting several parts of Fiji.
Very dry conditions were recorded in the Mamanuca Group, Lautoka, Nadi, Nacocolevu, the Coral Coast, interior parts of Viti Levu, Monasavu, Dobuilevu, RKS Lodoni, Nausori, Koronivia, Suva and Navua.
Similar conditions were recorded in Ovalau, Batiki, Nairai, Wakaya, Gau and Moala.
However, the report also highlighted variations in rainfall patterns across the country.
On the six-month timescale, very wet conditions were recorded in northern parts of Kadavu, Matuku and Onoi-Lau.
The 12-month assessment also identified very wet conditions in Cikobia and Rabi.
The Early Action Rainfall Watch is designed to provide the Fiji National Disaster Risk Management Office and disaster management agencies with information on recent rainfall patterns and the outlook for the coming months.
The latest forecast signals the possibility of continued pressure on water resources, agriculture and communities already experiencing the effects of prolonged dry weather.
With very dry conditions expected to persist into early 2027, the outlook highlights the importance of continued monitoring and preparedness as Fiji enters the coming months.
