Weather

But Will Apia Weather The Weather?

West Samoans lately have been taking a close look at Apia weather records in the hope of getting a clue about the state of the weather next January 1 to 5 —the days when West Samoa’s independ ence celebrations will be go ing on at full pelt.

Their conclusions: The chance of getting even one fine day in this period is one in six. The celebrations could be a washout meteorologic ally speaking anyhow.

Since 1944, the average rain fall per day during the five day period in question has been .63 inches. On January 5, 1944, Apia received more than four inches of rain, with a total of more than seven inches over the five days.

Apia’s weekly Samoana re ported in August that when the festivities were being planned on a high level the argument that the whole spirit of the celebrations would be lost if they did not take place at the time of granting of independence and that God would take care of the weather, won. There had been considerable opposition by those who felt it would be better to hold the greater part of the celebrations in June when the weather was almost certain to be fine.

Samoana commented that many Samoans predicted the organisers were “just inviting a flop.”