Wind and small crafts advisories remain in effect as the Samoa Meteorology Office warns of strong winds, possible heavy rain and rough seas ahead this week. 

A “Severe Weather Information” bulletin issued by the Meteorology Division on Monday afternoon warns of fresh-to-strong southeast to east winds and high swells continuing to impact the islands through Wednesday.

The conditions are being caused an intense high-pressure system to the southeast of the country which continues to make its way eastward.

“Current observations this afternoon show the wind strength and high swells remain above the advisory threshold. These conditions warrant the extension of the validity period for the wind and small craft advisories through Wednesday,” the bulletin stated. 

Potential impacts include strong currents and rough seas.

According to the Samoa Meteorology Office’s Forecast Discussion, models suggest the high-pressure system will relax by Wednesday and may begin to weaken the flow of trade winds. 

“[This] may allow the convergence zone to descend southward toward the island with some showers and gusty periods as we proceed into the weekend,” the Office said. 

“Another intense high pressure [is] hinted by all [numerical weather predictions] to reintroduce fresh to strong south-easterly in the latter part of the outlook period.

“But [we] will continue to keep a close eye on these significant changes before making any changes with the previous forecast.”