Area Forecast Discussion
Issued by NWS Pago Pago
Issued by NWS Pago Pago
963 FXZS60 NSTU 070047 AFDPPG Area Forecast Discussion National Weather Service Pago Pago AS 147 PM SST Sat Dec 6 2025 .Short term [tonight through Monday night]... A low pressure system developing over Fiji has turned surface winds out of the northeast, this low will move southward and meander between Fiji and New Zealand through the short term forecast period, holding the northeastly flow across the area. These northeasterly surface winds will begin increasing in speed tonight. Wind speeds may reach as high as 20 mph at times through the short term forecast period. As low-level winds have turned northeasterly, a general increase in atmospheric moisture and instability has been observed on the past few RAOB upper-air soundings. The low-level northeasterly flow will continue to pull equatorial moisture over the territory, which is expected to increase showers to numerous by late Sunday. Numerous showers should then remain over the territory through Monday night. Minor isolated flooding will likely be possible. However, the threat for widespread flash flooding appears low at this time, as the heaviest rainfall activity is forecast to remain west of the territory. .Long term [Tuesday through Saturday]... The low pressure system will continue to move southward, closer to New Zealand with time. As the low pressure moves further away from the area, its impact on the wind field over American Samoa will decrease. This is forecast to lead winds to turn out of the east and slightly weaken by Tuesday, with showers decreasing to scattered Tuesday afternoon. By late Thursday into Friday, a surface convergence (trough) is expected to develop over the islands. This is forecast to bring numerous to widespread showers over American Samoa by late week into next weekend. It is too early to determine if there will be potential for flash flooding at this time. Tropical development is not expected within 300 nautical miles of American Samoa over the next 7 days. && .Marine... Seas have not begun to build as quickly as models projected, and currently remain around 5 feet at Aunu`u and Poloa buoys. Still, as winds increase, seas are still likely to build to Small Craft Advisory levels (6 to 8 feet) tomorrow. With peak period times remaining in the 10 to 15 second range, High Surf Advisory criteria may be met as well tomorrow. These rough conditions should remain through Tuesday night, by Wednesday seas will subside due to decreased winds across the area. && .PPG WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES... None. && $$ Barton