textproduct: WSO Pago Pago

DISCUSSION

A rather dry air mass remains over the area as a high pressure system to the south transports cooler temperatures and a gentle breeze across the islands. These stable conditions are reflected on the upper air observations (RAOB) from this afternoon (30/00Z). Model projections show the high pressure system increasing east- southeast winds to a moderate to fresh breeze on Saturday, peaking at a strong breeze on Monday through the middle of the week. Showers embedded within the east-southeast wind flow will move across the territory from time to time, tonight through Saturday night. Model data shows a trough to the north descending over the area Sunday night through Monday night. This will increase the potential for showers. Winds will likely remain at a strong breeze thereafter, decreasing to a moderate flow on Thursday with diminishing showers.

Thus, expect strong winds with embedded scattered to numerous showers for the weekend into the new week. Alerts will be issued as warranted.

Marine

Observatins from the PacIOOS buoys (Aunu'u and King-Poloa) show an uptick in wave heights, prompting the issuance of advisories for small crafts and high surfs for American Samoa coastal waters and shores. Model data have been consistent in bringing this large south swell generated by the aforementioned high pressure system to the south. Due to the long-distance fetch of this swell, wave periods have reached more than 15 seconds long, a signal for surf enhancement and strong rip currents. Also produced by this system are gentle to moderate easterlies expected to increase to a fresh to strong breeze over the weekend. The large swell and strong winds are expected to linger in the area through at least the new week. Therefore, the threat of hazardous seas, dangerous surfs, and deadly rip currents is expected for tonight through at least the new week.

PPG WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES

High Surf Advisory Small Craft Advisory