340
FXZS60 NSTU 150044
AFDPPG

Area Forecast Discussion
National Weather Service Pago Pago  AS
144 PM SST Tue May 14 2024

.Short term...

A fast moving trough arrived over the American Samoa islands just
after sunrise this morning. Gusty easterly winds combined with
periods of heavy rainfall caused ponding on roadways this morning
and early this afternoon along with Wind Advisory type of impacts
such as downed tree limbs, increased falling coconuts, tipped over
garbage cans, etc. However, the trough is expected to move to the
southwest of the territory by this evening and heavy rainfall will
move away from the region. Winds will decrease to below Wind
Advisory levels, but still remaining breezy with winds around 15
to 20 mph overnight. As the trough moves further away, the
pressure gradient between a ridge from the southeast and the
trough will decrease. This will allow easterly trades to decrease
further on Wednesday and Thursday with scattered showers (40%
chance) in the passing form. The risk of showers will increase on
Friday as a mid level trough moves through from the southwest
moving northeast over the region throughout the day. Even though
cloudy skies are expected and rainfall is expected on Friday, not
as much rain is anticipated compared to today.

.Long term...

Easterly trade of up to 20 mph remain for the weekend with a risk
of passing showers. Severe weather is not expected throughout the
weekend. For early to the middle of next week, another ridge from
the southwest will turn winds coming from the east to southeast.
For next week, rainfall will be below average for this time of the
year. WSO Pago Pago has already received over 16 inches of rain
as of May 14th. The normal for the entire month is 11.73 inches.

&&

.Marine...

Rough seas remain for the American Samoa coastal waters today as a
fresh to strong easterly breeze continues. Long period southerly
swell is mixing with the easterly winds to enhance hazardous
conditions. Winds are expected to become fresh overnight and a
moderate to fresh easterly breeze by Thursday. However, another
round of long period swell is forecast to move through Thursday,
which will keep seas hazardous and keep surf along the southern
shores of American Samoa in the High Surf Advisory criteria. Seas
will finally ease to around 6 to 8 feet by Friday, but still near
the Small Craft Advisory criteria through the weekend.

&&

.PPG WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES...

A Wind Advisory remains in effect through tonight.
A High Surf Advisory remains in effect through Thursday night.
A Small Craft Advisory remains in effect.

&&

$$

LaPlante