Area Forecast Discussion
Issued by NWS Pago Pago
Issued by NWS Pago Pago
894 FXZS60 NSTU 240106 AFDPPG Area Forecast Discussion National Weather Service Pago Pago AS 206 PM SST Thu May 23 2024 .Short Term... Latest satellite data shows a dry pocket of air over the territory with showers to the east of Manu`a and thunderstorms west of Savai`i. This unstable pattern is associated with a weak trough to the north. Expect the dry pocket to diminish as the aforementioned trough moves across the Samoa Islands Friday night through Saturday. Hence, isolated showers will hold through Friday before gradually increasing to numerous showers Friday night. A gentle east breeze will dominate for this time. .Long term... A mid-level ridge in the region will keep a mostly dry pattern in the upper levels through the new week. The previous forecast showed a trough developing over the territory on Tuesday. However, the ridge seems to be a bit stronger than before. This trend will hold any potential for flooding more southwest of the area. East to southeast winds of 10 to 20 mph will remain through the rest of the forecast period as well as scattered showers. .Marine... Current wave heights have fallen below advisory thresholds (below 8 feet) with seas around 5 to 7 feet. However, it appears that a south swell continues to impact the area due to observations of strong rip currents near shore. Latest model data suggests this set of swells lingering through Sunday before a stronger set follows behind on Monday. Warning thresholds for surfs and currents are forecast for the latter swell with peak periods reaching near 20 seconds. && .PPG WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES... NONE && $$ TM