The latest NWS Honolulu forecast indicates that Hawaii is currently under light breezes, which are expected to shift to stronger trade winds by Thursday. This change will be followed by a weekend with possible increased shower activity. The current weather pattern is due to a stalled trough near Kauai and a surface low moving southwest, which are disrupting the usual island breezes and leading to a lighter, variable wind pattern.
A 1007 mb surface low about 700 miles northeast of Oahu is disrupting Hawaii's usual weather. The low and a trough near Kauai have weakened the pressure gradient and reduced trade winds. Residents and visitors should expect unusual weather for a few days before conditions return to normal. The arrival of more consistent trade winds on Thursday will likely be a welcomed change following the current disenabling col that allowed for local sea breezes to dominate, "A caveat to interior rain may be today's diurnal inland-pushing sea breeze boundary initiating Kona region showers on Big Island," according to a statement obtained by the NWS Honolulu.
The forecast not only details current conditions but also looks ahead to the rest of the week. As the trough dissipates and trade winds return, the weather is expected to return to normal. Those on the water should be aware that Small Craft Advisories might be needed around Maui and the Big Island by the end of the week as the trades strengthen. Surfers can expect a moderate north swell to peak today before decreasing, leading to mostly flat conditions on north shores over the weekend. The east shore surf will remain low until the trade winds strengthen later in the week.
The marine forecast predicts light and variable winds for most of today and tonight. Increased cloud cover and showers are expected due to sea breezes, especially around Kauai near the moisture axis and trough. There are currently no HFO Watches, Warnings, or Advisories in effect. Beachgoers can expect small surf on the south shore, with a potential boost from a small, long-period south-southwest swell over the weekend.
