Fijians are being urged to start conserving water, as below-normal rainfall is expected over the next three to six months which could put pressure on water supplies.
Fiji Meteorological Service Scientific Climate Officer Shweta Shiwangni says El Niño typically brings drier conditions to Fiji, with the Western Division usually feeling the effects first before they spread to other parts of the country.
Shiwangni says people should start practising water conservation and carefully manage how they use available water resources.
She says while Fiji will still receive some rainfall during this period, it may not be enough to meet the country's usual needs.
Shiwangni says the drier conditions could also affect farmers, particularly those who rely on water for irrigation.
She says Energy Fiji Limited will also need to manage water levels in its hydroelectric catchments as the dry conditions continue.
The current outlook indicates El Niño conditions will remain active in Fiji's part of the world for the rest of 2026 and into early 2027.
The Fiji Meteorological Service releases monthly climate bulletins to government agencies, non-government organisations and other stakeholders.
Shiwangni says agencies can request meetings with the Fiji Meteorological Service based on the outlook, where they are provided with updates on El Niño conditions and expected rainfall.
Her comments come as stakeholders meet at the Weather Ready Nation Fiji Workshop in Suva to improve preparedness and how weather and climate information is used to help communities respond to potential impacts.
