Neu: 2002-01-11 Contents of this issue:
1. NIUE WEATHER WATCH ======================================================================== January 11th, 2002 1. NIUE WEATHER WATCH: Seasonal convection continues along the monsoon trough from Honiara east to Futuna then south to a weak Low near Tongatapu. The Low is tracking slowly SSE. The trough then proceeds east to the south of Niue to Papeete. Moderate scattered thunderstorms and showers are active primarily in the sector Futuna to Tongatapu. North of the trough winds are generally light northerly from the equator. South of the trough, winds are light and variable. Vorticity (cyclonic spin induced by strong opposing surface winds) remains at a minimum along the monsoon trough. South Pacific weather remains settled with no disturbances active in the SWP. THE WEEKEND looks very warm and humid as light northerly winds become moderate and usher in mid-summer tropical steam. As the weak N-S trough through Tonga drifts slowly E toward Niue, precipitation probabilities should increase with the chance of scattered thunderstorms. NEXT WEEK computer model regional weather forecast animations are rather boring with variations on another undramatic weather week. The general consensus through Wed 16 Jan is for convergence from the north into Tonga to dissipate with a more easterly surface flow south of the equator. A quasi-stationary Low over N N.Z. should continue to have a slight influence on Niue's weather, troughing northward toward us and enticing a moist NE surface flow over The Rock. Expect variable clouds and generally light winds as the needle on the old barometer occasionally points to the "unsettled" zone. Abundant mosquitoes should enjoy sufficient hot showers, though secondary roads probably won't become quagmires. No weather disturbances forecast again next week in the region.(This weather report supplied by Darrell Spatz of Niue). __END__
