Honolulu residents can look forward to a typical trade weather pattern continuing throughout the week, according to the National Weather Service in Honolulu. Reports indicate light showers are likely to occur along windward exposures and elevated regions, while leeward areas can expect to remain predominantly dry. The National Weather Service also notes that trade winds will maintain breezy conditions through late Tuesday, before tapering off to more gentle speeds as the week progresses.
Stable weather is anticipated to be the norm for the coming days due to an upper ridging over the state. "This morning's sounding moisture (precipitable waters) has decreased the past couple of days with the advection of drier mid-level air from the east,” the National Weather Service detailed. As humidity levels dip to more comfortable ranges, this dry air intrusion is set to provide relief from recent hot, muggy conditions, wherein dew points hit the mid-70s amidst near 90 F degree heat. Furthermore, sustained surface high pressure to the northeast of the islands is reinforcing the breezy trade flow conditions.
Given the dry air advection, the chance of daily rainfall is expected to lessen throughout the remainder of the week. The National Weather Service's forecast highlights that showers will predominantly affect windward Big Island and East Maui overnight. Meanwhile, the smaller islands may see occasional nighttime showers along their windward slopes and high terrain. In contrast, regions like the Kona and Ka'u areas of Big Island might experience daily showers in the afternoon, induced by the sea breeze interacting with thicker cloud formations. As the week progresses, it's anticipated that the trade winds might calm to the point where local breezes begin to dominate in various communities.
In aviation news, moderate to occasionally breezy trade winds are expected to continue. While clouds and light showers may favor certain areas, creating brief MVFR conditions, the general outlook is clear. The National Weather Service advises that "AIRMET Sierra is in effect for mountain obscuration over windward portions of the Big Island," with improvements expected by later in the morning. AIRMET Tango may come into play for moderate low-level turbulence over and downwind of terrain on all islands starting later today.
Mariners should also be aware that the high pressure situated northeast of the waters is slated to hold its position, maintaining moderate to strong trade winds through Tuesday. Consequently, a Small Craft Advisory has been issued for the particularly windy waters and channels around Maui County and the Big Island till Tuesday evening. The upcoming decrease in trade winds mid-week as high pressure weakens is likely to bring gentler marine conditions. For surfers, east-facing shores will see a plateau at small, choppy levels owing to the trades, with a small decline in wave activity expected as the winds ease off later this week. Additionally, a minor, medium-period northerly swell is predicted to hit north-facing shores by Thursday night, offering a modest increase in surf through much of next weekend.
