As the calm of steady trade winds is forecasted to take just a slight pause over the Hawaiian Islands, locals and tourists alike are set to enjoy a period of relatively stable and dry weather. The National Weather Service reports a gradual weakening of these trade winds as a surface high moves slowly northeast. While isolated windward showers are expected, primarily in the overnight and early morning hours, the overall atmosphere remains parched and shower activity light.
In the days to come, the archipelago might see a minor uptick in rainfall due to a weak trough aloft that's anticipated to slowly traverse from east to west this weekend. The trade winds are forecasted to not only relax during this period but also to return with reinforced vigor early next week. According to the National Weather Service, "Stronger trades are expected to return again early next week."
Aviation interests should take heed, as breezy conditions are slated to continue through tonight, with a gradual easing expected towards the latter part of the week. Pilots can anticipate short-lived low visibility and ceilings that could render conditions marginally difficult in windward and mountaintop areas, although the prevailing conditions will be Visual Flight Rules.
For mariners, a Small Craft Advisory remains in effect until early Wednesday morning due to the persistent fresh to strong trades. The swells along south-facing shores are also in a slow decline, suggesting that surf conditions will too gradually become less challenging as the week progresses. Surfers and beachgoers should anticipate a decrease in surf height along east-facing shores towards Thursday and Friday as the trades winds ease, and the contributing northeast swell energy fades out.
The National Weather Service has issued a Small Craft Advisory alerting to conditions that could potentially be unsafe for smaller vessels. The advisory spans several water areas, including Maalaea Bay, Pailolo Channel, Alenuihaha Channel, and areas along the Big Island, remaining in motion until 6 AM HST Wednesday. As both air and sea environments experience shifts, individuals making use of these environments should remain attentive to the latest updates and advisories.
