Area Forecast Discussion
Issued by NWS Pago Pago
Issued by NWS Pago Pago
835 FXZS60 NSTU 200130 AFDPPG Area Forecast Discussion National Weather Service Pago Pago AS 230 PM SST Wed Jun 19 2024 .Short term... A ridge of high pressure remains over the American Samoa islands today to give a mix of sun and clouds over the territory with the occasional passing shower. Winds have decreased today, but the easterlies remained between 10 to 15 mph. As the ridge weakens and moves further away tonight through Friday, winds will also continue to further weaken. Through Friday, the risk of rainfall is isolated to scattered (20 to 30% chance). If showers occur, it will be in the passing form and heavy rainfall is not expected. On Friday night, a front from the south is forecast to move over the territory. Rainfall is expected, but flash flooding is not. After the front moves to the north by Saturday morning, winds will begin to increase from the south/southeast and the dewpoint will be much lower than average throughout the weekend. Generally with a lower dewpoint temperature, the air feels more comfortable and less humid than usual. The risk of showers will be isolated to scattered. If rainfall occurs, it will be in the passing form. .Long term... For next week, below average rainfall is expected with breezy southeasterly tradewinds remaining over the region as a strong ridge of high pressure is forecast to remain over the territory. Passing trade wind showers may occur, but will be in the passing form and is not expected to be strong enough to create flash flooding. && .Marine... The latest information from the PacIOOS buoy to the east of Aunu`u showed that seas have eased to below Small Craft Advisory conditions this morning and is continuing to ease. The main factor for the lower sea heights are due to the decreasing winds as the fresh easterly breeze has become a moderate easterly breeze throughout the day. Winds are expected to continue decreasing through Friday and will become a gentle breeze by Thursday and Friday. This will cause seas to ease to around 5 feet during that time to create ideal sea conditions with the best conditions during the day on Friday. However, a front is expected to move through on Friday night, which will change the weather pattern after it moves to the north on Saturday morning. A strong ridge of high pressure will generate a fresh south/southeasterly breeze for the weekend and into next week. Seas are expected to build up to around 10 feet with higher sets throughout this time. && .PPG WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES... NONE && $$ LaPlante