Nadi, Fiji – The Fiji Meteorological Service has released its climate summary for August 2023, revealing a month marked by varying weather patterns across the islands. Troughs of low-pressure systems, occasional rain, and temperature extremes were among the notable features during this period.
Rainfall Patterns
Following a wet July, Fiji continued to experience generally wet conditions throughout August. Troughs of low-pressure systems, coupled with cool and dry southerly wind flows, dominated the weather patterns for the month. Yasawa-i-Rara, Lautoka Mill, Tavua, Yaqara, and Penang Mill were the exceptions, reporting relatively drier conditions.
Out of the 26 rainfall monitoring stations across Fiji, two recorded well above average rainfall, while 15 stations reported above-average rainfall. Four stations observed average rainfall, with five stations noting below-average rainfall. The highest monthly rainfall of 398.0mm was observed at Udu Point, followed closely by Monasavu with 349.5mm, Laucala Bay (Suva) with 306.1mm, RKS Lodoni with 300.0mm, Matuku with 280.4mm, and Navua with 268.0mm. Notably, Udu Point and Nasinu recorded their highest August daily rainfall, with 280.8mm and 85.0mm, respectively. Udu Point also reported its highest monthly rainfall on record.
Temperature Extremes
Temperature variations were another highlight of the month. RKS Lodoni recorded the highest daytime temperature of 38.1°C on the 18th, followed by Yasawa-i-Rara with 33.4°C on the 21st. Labasa Airfield and Seaqaqa reported temperatures of 32.8°C on the 10th and 15th, respectively, while Lautoka Mill registered 32.1°C on the 23rd. On the flip side, the lowest nighttime temperatures included 8.7°C at Nadarivatu on the 25th, 10.9°C at Monasavu on the same date, 12.5°C at Keiyasi, and 13.5°C at Rarawai Mill (Ba), all on the 25th.
Wind Patterns and Sea Conditions
Southeasterly winds dominated the weather conditions at key locations such as Nadi Airport, Nausori Airport, Savusavu Airfield, and Matei Airfield.
Throughout August, warmer than normal sea surface temperature anomalies were observed across most of Fiji, suggesting potentially significant implications for marine life and coastal communities.
Sea Level Anomalies and Flash Flooding
Above-normal sea level anomalies persisted across most of Fiji’s waters during August 2023, raising concerns about coastal areas and potential coastal erosion.
Flash flooding incidents were reported in parts of the Central Division on the 15th and 16th of August. One tragic incident involved a four-year-old casualty in Sakoca, Nasinu, highlighting the serious impact of the extreme weather conditions.
Conclusion
August 2023 proved to be a month of mixed weather conditions for Fiji. While some areas experienced above-average rainfall and temperature extremes, others saw drier conditions. The persistence of troughs of low-pressure systems and the occurrence of flash flooding underline the importance of preparedness and awareness for Fiji’s residents and authorities.
For further information and updates, please contact the Fiji Meteorological Service at Nadi Airport, Fiji, via phone at +679 6724888, fax at +679 6724050, or email at climate@met.gov.fj. Additional information is available online at http://www.met.gov.fj
