The Nadi Weather Office has predicted that one to three tropical cyclones are likely to cross Fiji’s Exclusive Economic Zone during the 2020/2021 cyclone season.
The forecasters say one severe tropical cyclone could affect Fiji during the season from 1st November this year to April 30th next year.
The Weather Office says during past cyclone seasons which are similar to present, a number of tropical cyclones which affected Fiji passed through the west of the Fiji Group.
It says there is again an elevated risk of cyclones to pass through the Western Division this season.
The 2020-21 season’s cyclone outlook has been influenced by a La-Niña event which is currently underway in the tropical Pacific. With a La-Niña event established in the tropical Pacific, there is an increased risk of flooding across the Fiji Group during the coming November to April period.
It also says near average to below average cyclone season in the region have formed in October and May and rarely in September and June. Therefore, an out of season tropical cyclone activity cannot be ruled out.
Tropical disturbances or depressions that do not attain tropical cyclone intensity or low-pressure systems that are remnants of older cyclones, can still cause widespread rainfall and potential flooding.
[image: Fiji Meteorological Service]
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