The Vanuatu Meteorology and Geo-Hazards Department is warning coastal communities, fishermen and sea travellers to exercise caution as strong southeast winds continue to generate rough sea conditions across the country.

The marine warning remains in effect for all coastal waters of Vanuatu, with forecasters expecting hazardous conditions to continue through the weekend before gradually improving early next week.

According to the department, the weather system is being driven by a strong high-pressure system located south of New Zealand, which is creating active southeast winds over Vanuatu.

Meteorological Officer Ellen Luke said the high-pressure system is producing strong pressure gradients across the region, resulting in increased wind speeds.

“This high-pressure system is creating strong pressure lines across the islands of Vanuatu. At the moment, several pressure lines are affecting the country and this is causing wind speeds to increase,” Ms Luke said.

Forecasters are warning that southeast winds of between 21 and 25 knots are generating rough seas, with wave heights reaching up to 2.5 metres.

Ms Luke said conditions could worsen in some areas over the next few days.

“Today, tomorrow and into Saturday morning, some areas may experience stronger winds of up to 30 knots as weather systems move through. This could result in wave heights increasing to between 3 and 3.5 metres,” she said.

The rough sea conditions have already affected maritime transport, with several shipping operators issuing notices of service disruptions and cancellations for the coming week.

Meanwhile, the department is also monitoring a low-pressure system developing north of Vanuatu.

Ms Luke said the system may bring showers to northern parts of the country but is not expected to develop into a tropical cyclone.

“We may see some showers in the north, but as the trough moves eastward and towards the north of Fiji, conditions should improve again. There is currently no threat of cyclone development as Vanuatu is now outside the cyclone season,” she said.

The department is urging people living in coastal communities, fishermen, and anyone planning sea travel to closely follow official weather advisories and take all necessary safety precautions while the marine warning remains in place.

The Vanuatu Meteorology and Geo-Hazards Department says it will continue monitoring conditions and provide updates should the situation change.