textproduct: WSO Pago Pago

Synopsis

An active trough is observed to the north and west of the American Samoa Islands, over Tokelau, Wallis and Futuna, and Fiji. In the far northwest corner of this trough is a low pressure circulation, denoted Invest 91P by JTWC, which is currently positioned well to the northwest of Fiji. Meanwhile, over American Samoa, an area of high pressure in the mid-levels of the atmosphere is holding much drier conditions.

Long term [Monday through Friday]

Mid-level high pressure will continue to bring mostly fair weather conditions throughout the long term forecast period. Invest 91P will past southwest of Fiji, potentially as a TC, by early next week before turning to the east. By mid to late week Invest 91P will turn eastward and pass well to the south of American Samoa. As this system passes to the south, it will turn winds out of the north to northwest over the territory. These winds should remain light (near or under 10 mph).

Marine

Seas have begun to slowly build at Aunu'u and Poloa buoys but still currently remain at only around 6 feet. However, with a strong south swell moving in tonight, seas should continue building in the 6 to 8 foot range this afternoon, peaking at 7 to 9 feet after midnight tonight through Saturday night. A Small Craft Advisory has preemptively been issued for seas building 6 to 8 feet this afternoon. With periods expected to exceed 15 seconds as the swell arrives, a High Surf Advisory will likely be needed for south facing shores later tonight.

With light to gentle winds and no additional swells expected beyond the weekend, seas will begin to subside by Sunday. Seas should then be below advisory levels Monday through the remainder of the forecast period.

PPG WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES

Small Craft Advisory now in effect