Rutbah, Iraq

Weather Underground Forecast for Sunday, February 12, 2012.

A mild weather pattern continues to dominate most of Asia on Sunday. A ridge of high pressure stretches from northern and eastern China, over the Korean Peninsula, and into the Sea of Japan. This will allow for dry and quiet weather to persist in these areas. However, cool temperatures will accompany this ridge. Seoul will be sunny and cool with highs in the mid-30s(F)/ near 1(C), with windchill values in the teens(F)/ -7(C). Beijing will also remain sunny with highs in the upper 30s(F)/ near 3(C).

East of this system, a weak trough of low pressure will linger over northern Japan, pushing moisture onshore from the Sea of Japan. This will kick up scattered showers with high elevation snow showers. Tokyo remains south of this system under partly cloudy skies with highs in the mid-40s(F)/ near 6(C).

Behind this system, another weak trough of low pressure moves through southern China. This will pull moisture in from the South China Sea, triggering some rain showers over parts of southern China. Hong Kong will be dry with a few patchy clouds and highs in the mid-60s(F)/ upper teens(C), while Shanghai will be overcast with a chance of rain showers and highs in the mid-40s(F)/ near 6(C).

Near Australia, Tropical Cyclone Jasmine continues losing strength and energy as it moves away from the South Pacific Islands and northern New Zealand. This system remains at tropical storm strength with winds between 39 and 73 mph (33 to 64 knots). To the west of Australia, Tropical Cyclone Giovanna strengthens in the South Indian Ocean. This system may reach category 3 strength on Sunday with winds between 111 and 130 mph (96 and 112 knots). This storm is expected to move southwestward, towards northern Madagascar, possibly making landfall on Sunday.

Elsewhere, high pressure over Australia creates another inactive weather day. Onshore flow in the east will push warm and moist air into New South Whales, triggering showers and thunderstorms. Expect Sydney to see afternoon thunderstorms with highs in the mid-70s(F)/ lower 20s(C).