Islanders and visitors alike can expect light to moderate trade winds today in Honolulu, with a shift to stronger breezes coming tomorrow and persisting into next week. According to the National Weather Service, the forecast suggests that while typical summertime conditions will keep most leeward areas dry, windward and mauka areas should prepare for intermittent showers. A 1029 mb high situated far north-northeast of Honolulu is creating the current weather pattern.
As the ridge to the northwest of the islands remains nearly stationary, moderate trades are set to continue through today. Yet, tonight and into tomorrow, as the ridge shifts further northwest, residents can expect the winds to pick up, a change that will likely last through the latter part of the upcoming week. Showers, which have been favoring the windward and higher elevation areas, may intensify as more moisture moves through the region "increasing the trade showers and sending a few into leeward communities as well," the NWS noted.
In aviation news, the trade winds are fueling brief showers and rolling clouds over the windward and mountainous areas, with these moderate wind speeds also potentially creating localized onshore sea breezes. Flight conditions will remain mostly visual, although marginal visual flight rules (MVFR) conditions are possible in areas where showers become more prevalent. No immediate concerns have triggered the issuance of AIRMETs at this time.
On the nautical front, mariners are advised to heed the Small Craft Advisory set to take effect this evening through to early Tuesday morning. The advisory applies to various areas, including "Maalaea Bay, Pailolo Channel, Alenuihaha Channel, Big Island Leeward Waters, Big Island Southeast Waters," the National Weather Service cautions. Surfers can also expect a modest south southwest swell to peak today before it begins its gradual retreat early next week, with several small swells moving through the state to maintain surf on south facing shores.
