The Fiji Meteorological Service says a tropical disturbance developing near American Samoa is being closely monitored, but the risk of it strengthening into a tropical cyclone over the next 24 to 48 hours remains low.
In its latest Tropical Disturbance Summary, RSMC Nadi reported that Tropical Disturbance TD04F was analysed early Tuesday East of Manua Islands and is currently slow-moving.
Forecasters say deep cloud and thunderstorms continue to persist near the system, although its centre is still difficult to clearly identify.
TD04F lies in an environment that partly favours development, with warm sea surface temperatures near 30°C, good upper-level outflow, and moderate wind shear.
However, meteorologists warn that dry air to the south and areas of stronger wind shear to the east could disrupt the system if it drifts slowly or moves eastward.
Global weather models show TD04F gradually intensifying while moving east, before weakening as it tracks southeast along the edge of an upper-level low pressure system.
For now, the Met Office stresses that the potential for TD04F to develop into a tropical cyclone is low during the next two days, but the system will continue to be monitored closely.
