Hao, French Polynesia

Weather Underground Forecast for Monday, February 13, 2012.

Warmer temperatures return to most of China on Monday, as a ridge of high pressure builds in from the west. This system will push moisture away to the south and east, allowing for sunny skies and dry conditions. Expect a warming trend as this system cuts off the strong southward flow over the country. Hong Kong will see plenty of sunshine with highs in the lower 70s(F)/ lower 20s(C), while Beijing will reach into the mid-40s(F)/ near 6(C) with a few patchy clouds. Meanwhile, a trough of low pressure moves from eastern China, over the Eastern China Sea, and into western Japan. Expect lingering rain showers in Shanghai with highs in the lower 50s(F)/ lower teens(C), while Tokyo will see increasingly cloudy skies with highs in the upper 40s(F)/ near 8(C).

To the south, Tropical Cyclone Giovanna continues to strength in the South Indian Ocean as it approaches Madagascar. This system may reach category 4 strength on Monday with winds between 131 and 155 mph (113 and 134 knots). This storm will make landfall over northeastern Madagascar as a significant storm with strong and damaging winds, heavy downpours, and dangerous surf. Significant wave height will range from 22 to 26 feet. Tropical Cyclone Jasmine meanders through the South Pacific Islands as it continues losing strength. On Monday, this system will remain at tropical storm strength with winds between 39 and 73 mph (33 to 64 knots).

Meanwhile, Australia will remain mostly dry and warm as a ridge of high pressure dominates the country. A trough of low pressure in the east slides southeastward into the Tasman Sea and approaches New Zealand. This will bring increasing chances of showers and thunderstorms to New Zealand throughout the day. Onshore flow along the back side of this system will support scattered thunderstorms over the coasts of New South Whales. Expect Sydney to be partly cloudy with a chance of afternoon thunderstorms and highs in the lower 70s(F)/ lower 20s(C).