Samoa’s Meteorology Division (MET) has issued heavy rain and marine advisories cautioning the public as a high pressure system southeast of Tonga continues to impact local weather.

The MET within the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment (M.N.R.E.) issued a Public and Marine Severe Weather Information forecast at 5pm on Thursday advising of heavy rain and also issued a marine advisory for Samoa's southern and eastern waters.

“A convergence zone ahead of an intense high-pressure system situated further southeast of Tonga Island is in control of the current situation,” the statement reads.

“Additionally, wind waves of more than 2.5metres caused by the above-mentioned episode of the trade-wind flow remain for southern marine waters.

“The prevalent weather conditions are expected to diminish heading to tomorrow (Friday), yet for the meantime, heavy rain advisory is still valid for all of Samoa and the marine advisory for southern marine waters.”

The potential impact of the weather include fresh to strong winds with gusty periods at times as well as heavy periods of rain with poor visibility, gusty winds, foggy and slippery roads over mountain passes and ranges, pooling near roadsides and waterways.

Other impacts include strong currents and rough seas.

For the weekend, the forecast by MET is that from Saturday through next Tuesday, the high-pressure system is predicted to relax by early Saturday while exiting the region.

“This allows the trough to the north to visit the Islands with numerous showers at the weekend,” reads the MET forecast.

“Expect winds to turn Northeast as the trough moves over ushering some instability and increasing moisture content. Moreover, an upper trough is also forecast to linger west. 

"This may enhance rainfall activities. A Severe Weather Information was issued [Thursday evening] to inform the general public regarding these changes and expected conditions approaching the area of responsibility within the next 3-5 days.”