Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA —  Latest visible satellite loop shows some fair-weather clouds and high cirrus clouds associated with an extratropical low far south of the territory. Present upper air soundings continue to show an extremely dry and moist atmospheric profile associated with a strong ridge over the Samoa Island chain. This weather feature will continue a dry trend through Thursday, before it is replaced by a slighty moist airmass.

Current GFS theta E model data depicts an area of somewhat warmer potential temperatures (K) linked with the aforementioned moist airmass moving over the islands by Thursday. Model solutions suggests this pattern would not influence an uptick in showers, rather scattered showers at the most. Also, winds are forecast to remain light and variable through the forecast period.

This will allow for a short-lived period of precipitation during the day, following a dirunal cycle more noticeable during gentle breeze conditions. Furthermore, as the high cirrus clouds mentioned above moves further east, hotter temperatures are expected to prolong through the week. The absence of these clouds will allow for direct sunlight to heat up the landmass and cause temperatures to rise.

Furthermore, after a long period of domination, latest model data forecasts the aforementioned ridge to finally weaken by Saturday. However, the island will continue in tranquil conditions through next Monday as no dominant weather features are anticipated.

NO TSUNAMI THREAT TO AMERICAN SAMOA

An earthquake with a preliminary magnitude of 6.1 occurred about 134 miles Southwest of Tutuila Island at 5:06am, this morning, Tuesday, March 17, 2020.

Based on all available data from the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center (PTWC) in Honolulu ~ THERE IS NO TSUNAMI THREAT TO AMERICAN SAMOA FROM THIS EARTHQUAKE. Some areas may have experienced very strong shaking.

O se mafui'e e tusa ma le 6.1 lona malosi na tupu nei ile taeao, 5:06am, tusa ma le 134-maila saute-sisifo o le tatou motu o Tutuila, Amerika Samoa. Aso Lua, Mati 17, 2020.

Ua fa'alauiloa mai e le Pacific Tsunami Warning Center (Ofisa o Lapata'iga o Sunami ile Pasefika, PTWC) i Honolulu ~ E LEAI SE SUNAMI E ONO TUPU I AMERIKA SAMOA MAI LEA MAFUI'E. E iai nisi o nofoaga sa mafai ona fa'alogoina le malosi o le lu-lu ole nei mafui'e.
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