A tropical cyclone warning remains in force for Rotuma while an alert is in force for Fiji.

The Fiji Meteorological Services says a gale warning is also in force for Rotuma.

A heavy rain warning remains in force for Vanua Levu, Taveuni, and nearby smaller islands, Northern Lau group and the Yasawa group.

Senior Forecaster Sakeasi Rabitu says people in these areas can expect cloudy periods with some showers increasing to rain and becoming frequent by tomorrow.

“There is big cloud ban that is associated with TD03F when the depression moves South it will bring with it that big cloud band and that is anticipated to bring rain.”

The tropical depression is expected to gradually intensify into a tropical cyclone later this evening with average winds of 65km/hr close to the centre.

It is expected to move West at 20km/hr and the centre should gradually pass about 280km Southwest of Rotuma by 1am tomorrow.