Current Weather in Fiji

The cultural and meteorological awareness regarding Fiji's climate has been cultivated through a unique way of life and festivals that blend tropical maritime climate and long-standing traditions.

Close Connection with Nature

Experience of Tropical Maritime Climate

• Throughout the year, it is hot and humid, with sudden weather changes due to sea breezes and squalls occurring regularly.
• Outdoor activities in a hot and humid environment are prevalent, with play and fishing by the water being essential to life.
• Traditionally, to alleviate the heat, roofs made of palm leaves and elevated houses are utilized to prioritize ventilation.

Relationship Between Traditional Events and Climate

Festivals and Harvest Celebrations in the Rainy Season

• The Tabua Festival (Harvest Festival), based on the lunar calendar, is held around the beginning of the rainy season to pray for a bountiful harvest.
• At the Yasawa Islands Storm Festival, dances and songs are performed to dispel intense squalls.
• As a climate myth, offerings to Solokarokaro, the sea god, are made, infused with prayers for stable weather.

Lifestyle Habits and Meteorological Awareness

Innovations in Architecture, Food, and Living

• A barebdu (roofed veranda) is established in residences to allow for airflow while avoiding direct sunlight and maintaining coolness.
• To cope with the heat, traditionally, palm water and fruits are consumed in abundance to replenish body fluids and salts.
• During the rainy season, thick palm leaf mats are used to create makeshift rain covers, preparing for minor floods and landslides.

Inheritance of Agricultural and Climate Knowledge

Taro Cultivation and Rainfall Rhythm

• The staple taro is planted immediately after the rains begin, with traditional climate observation methods used to determine the harvest period.
• By observing soil moisture and cloud movements, the timing for the next planting and thinning is decided.
• In response to climate variability, the combined use of drought-resistant indigenous and improved varieties is becoming commonplace.

Contemporary Meteorological Culture and Challenges

Climate Change and Tourism and Disaster Prevention

• In the resort industry, real-time weather information linked with planning has become essential.
• Concerns over coral bleaching and rising sea levels have led to active environmental conservation efforts utilizing meteorological data.
• Vulnerable to typhoons and hurricanes, evacuation routes are developed, and training within local communities is conducted regularly.

Summary

Fiji's climate awareness is evolving to address modern climate change and tourism needs while being rooted in coexistence with nature and traditional knowledge.