Oahu islanders, brace for a slight windfall in the gust department over the next few days. According to the National Weather Service in Honolulu, trade winds are expected to cool their heels today through Saturday, paving the way for gentler breezes and offering a small respite for those wind-weary folks out there.

In the details that National Weather Service shared, it seems the area will see a mid- to upper-level ridge weakening, which means those trade winds we typically rely on for natural air conditioning are dialing it down to light to moderate levels. Yet, there's a catch, this calming of winds might just stir up better windward and mauka shower coverage, particularly as the weekend approaches and a mid-level trough sweeps in from east to west.

VFR conditions are still the expected standard, with only brief episodes of MVFR likely in those wee morning hours along windward patches. Pilots should be aware that AIRMET Tango cautioning about moderate turbulence lingers in the air, however, hope is on the horizon that this advisory will see its sunset as the winds ease up.

For maritime enthusiasts and beachgoers, the changing weather brings some good news. With the trade winds calming down, the sea will be gentler, making for smoother conditions this weekend. The south swell is expected to keep the surf lively on south-facing shores. Additionally, there might be a small swell coming from the north-northwest, which should boost the surf along northern beaches. There's also talk of long-period east swells from increased tropical cyclone activity in the east Pacific, which could make an appearance over the weekend.