Area Forecast Discussion
Issued by NWS Pago Pago
Issued by NWS Pago Pago
899 FXZS60 NSTU 010136 AFDPPG Area Forecast Discussion National Weather Service Pago Pago AS 236 PM SST Fri May 31 2024 .Discussion... A surface trough over the Islands and a strong ridge building near New Zealand will continue to produce strong pressure gradients over the territory through Saturday night. Due to this difference in pressure, winds up to 34 knots have been observed since this morning. In addition, heavy rainfall associated with the trough will enhance windspeeds through the weekend; winds are likely more in areas with higher elevations and in the Harbor. A downward trend will follow Saturday night as the ridge slightly weakens over the Islands. This pattern will extend the potential for flooding through Sunday as the trough dominates the American Samoa Region. Model data suggests the trough will linger over the Islands as the ridge keeps it stationary for most of the new week. This trend will hold numerous showers and southeast winds of 10 to 20 mph for the long term forecast. .Marine... Latest wave heights recorded via SOFAR drift buoys are around 15 feet. These heights will keep surfs at warning levels through at least Sunday. Strong winds are the main drivers for rough conditions, extremely high surfs, and hazardous rip currents. Hence, a gale warning is in effect as windspeeds for this threshold has been met (34 knots). Expect these impacts to remain through Sunday before gradually subsiding Sunday night through Tuesday. Although seas are supposed to fall below advisory levels (below 8 feet) by this time, several sets of south swells will pass through the area Tuesday through the end of the new week. This means that wave heights may fall below advisory thresholds, but high surfs or rip currents can still be strong due to the energy produced by the swells. .PPG WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES... Gale Warning High Surf Warning Flood Watch Wind Advisory && $$ TM