A wind and heavy rain advisory remains in effect for all of Samoa with small craft also urged to take precautions.

The Samoa Meteorology Division Principal Scientific Officer, Fa'apisa Aiono, in response to email questions from the Samoa Observer said the weather continues to be influenced by a  convergence zone which is bringing rainfall and gusty winds.

"These conditions are expected to improve by early tomorrow morning (compared to last night and earlier today) however, due to the thickness of this broad cloud band over the island, it is not expected to completely clear out soon," she said.

"Isolated showers are expected for tomorrow and leading up to the weekend when the ridge of the high-pressure system takes control of our weather conditions."

When asked if there will be any chances of lightning and thunderstorms through the weekend, she explained that there is a slight chance of thunderstorms.

"However, afternoon convection may trigger lightning and thunderstorms within the weekend," she added.

Ms Aiono said currently the Meteorology Division has not received any reports of flooding.

When asked how much more rainfall Samoa would expect, she said the climate models suggest a wetter than normal rainfall for the next three months [July to September 2020] with the chances of a La Nina event a 50 per cent likelihood. 

"La Nina is a natural phenomenon that is caused by the migration of warmer sea surface temperatures to the west of the Pacific ocean. Consequently, bringing more rainfall than normal for countries in that area including Samoa," she explained. 

"This may lead to flooding, especially at vulnerable and low-lying areas. We continue to monitor and advise accordingly."

Ms. Aiono said that the Meteorology Division would like to emphasise that the advisories that are valid are for the public’s safety and are the heavy rain advisory, wind advisory and small craft advisory.

She also said anyone needing information or updates should contact the Meteorology Division or visit their website for the latest weather updates.