The weather patterns over the Hawaiian Islands are holding steady today, with a moderate trade wind flow and occasional light showers, especially along windward and mountain areas. With a high pressure system firmly in place to the north of the Pacific and a weak low pressure area lifting, residents can expect a slight uptick in the trade winds, as detailed in an update from the National Weather Service in Honolulu.
Beyond today's predictably stable conditions, a bit more moisture is on the horizon, making for a wetter week ahead. As the feeble low pressure system heads north, local tradewinds are expected to gather strength. "Trades will increase some more tonight and Tuesday, and a batch of increased moisture riding in on the the trades will provide a little boost to the shower activity," states the NWS report. Despite this, it's believed that the overarching stable airmass will maintain its limiting effect on showers for the most part.
Aviation interests will need to stay alert as winds pick up. While VFR conditions will generally prevail, windward and mauka areas may face temporary periods of MVFR conditions due to clouds and moisture. At the time of the update, no AIRMETs were in effect, but the NWS suggests that may change if shower coverage increases in the coming days.
The maritime outlook reflects a similar pattern. Starting Tuesday, the increase in trade winds could necessitate a Small Craft Advisory for certain areas, affecting waters around Maui County and The Big Island. Meanwhile, small fluctuations in surf are expected along south facing shores with a slight uptick possible tonight due to incoming south-southwest swells. "A deep low pressure system currently southeast of New Zealand will send a decent run of south swells beginning this weekend," according to the NWS report, which may lead to advisory-level surf heights next Sunday and Monday.
In summary, the NWS forecast for Honolulu indicates a rather status quo setting for the start of the week with the expectation of rising trade winds and a marginally wetter climate as we progress towards the weekend.
