A heavy rain alert is now in force for western Viti Levu, Kadavu, Vatulele, Beqa and nearby smaller Islands.

The alert comes as a trough of low pressure is lying over Fiji and moving very slowly.

Weather Office Director, Alipate Waqaicelua said the trough is expected to intensify over the group from later today bringing in occasional rain which will get heavy at times with squally thunderstorms.

He said heavy rain will lead to localised flooding in western Viti Levu, Kadavu, Vatulele, Beqa and nearby smaller Islands.

Waqaicelua said the weather is expected to start improving from Saturday and people can expect cooler nights during the weekend.

Story by: Sneh Chaudhry