The Samoa Meteorology Division has issued a severe weather advisory and cautioned the public as it forecast heavy rain with thunderstorm and gusty wind conditions.

According to the Division within the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, they are forecasting an area of cloud development with brief heavy fall that remains within the vicinity of Samoa.

“A trough of low pressure with significant rain activities to the west of the island this afternoon is expected to maintain a southwesterly movement,” stated the Meteorology Division in its advice issued Thursday afternoon.

The Division said a moist east to northeast wind flow will bring periods of rain with brief heavy falls and thunderstorms across the island with gusty winds expected.

“Potential impacts of the weather include heavy downpour with poor visibility, gusty winds, foggy and slippery roads over mountain passes and ranges, pooling near roadsides and waterways.”

A short wave trough is also expected to be west of the forecast zone by Friday with the weather system expected to be maintained.

And despite its current unstable condition, it is expected to cause winds to veer more northeast keeping moisture available in the lower levels of the atmosphere.

Therefore cloudy periods are expected with some showers before an easing of conditions is expected to possibly arrive by Saturday and over Sunday this weekend. 

According to the Division a convergence zone is forecast to form just north of Samoa at the beginning of next week and bring with it showers. 

Observations by the Division also show wave heights ranging from 1.5 to 2 metres driven by moderate southeasterly winds.