The Fiji MetService has named the next Tropical Cyclone “Fili”. The cyclone is currently near New Caledonia and is forecast to reach Category 2 strength, although is in an area where it could grow to “severe” Category 3.

Fili is expected to track close to New Caledonia in the days ahead, then drift into the NZ area around Sunday or early next week. It’s unclear if it will directly impact NZ or remain at sea, with more modelling needed in the days ahead to confirm.

Incoming high pressure from Australia will likely be the main guiding force for this storm – and another two or three days is needed by NZ forecasters to better lock in the track.

WeatherWatch.co.nz says the name Fili is “unnecessarily confusing” due to it being so similar to “Fiji”. Fili was named by the Fiji MetService and is tracking past New Caledonia towards the NZ area early next week. It poses no threat to Fiji or nations east of there.

In the days and week ahead New Caledonia, Norfolk Island and New Zealand are most exposed to Fili’s weather.

• WeatherWatch.co.nz