Area Forecast Discussion
Issued by NWS Pago Pago
Issued by NWS Pago Pago
328 FXZS60 NSTU 150034 AFDPPG Area Forecast Discussion National Weather Service Pago Pago AS 134 PM SST Sun Jul 14 2024 .Short term... Light easterly flow continues today across all islands of American Samoa as more sun than clouds remained over the islands through early this afternoon. By tomorrow, a very weak trough is expected to move over the territory from the south. However, this trough lacks moisture and wind convergence to create severe weather. Mostly cloudy skies with scattered showers (50% chance) are forecast to tomorrow. A ridge of high pressure will likely push the trough to the north by Monday evening/Tuesday morning and will remain throughout the week. This ridge would provide easterly winds generally around 15 mph throughout the week with rainfall below average. .Long term... By late in the week and into the weekend, the ridge is forecast to remain over the region. A trough is expected to remain south, but the pressure gradient between the trough and the ridge may create winds up to around 20 mph, still below Wind Advisory levels. Otherwise, if showers occur, it will be in the passing form. && .Marine... Current information from both PacIOOS buoys to the west and east of Tutuila show seas not only have subsided to below Small Craft Advisory levels, but to ideal conditions for mariners throughout the American Samoa coastal waters. The easterly gentle breeze this morning is expected to increase to a moderate breeze this evening and may reach up to a east/southeasterly fresh breeze by Monday. The moderate to fresh breeze is expected to continue throughout the week, which will increase wind driven waves to near or at Small Craft Advisory levels. The strength of the southerly swell decreases this week, but the wind driven seas will likely create choppy waters starting tomorrow. This weather pattern is expected to remain through late in the week. && .PPG WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES... NONE && $$ LaPlante