The trade winds, a defining feature of Hawaii's climate, bringing moderate breezes and a smattering of showers, will continue their play through the upcoming week. According to the latest from the National Weather Service in Honolulu, these winds will experience a slight wind-down starting Sunday, aligning with the week ahead that promises drier days after brief wet spells, primarily in windward and mountainous locales.
Satellite imagery has been revealing cloud bands, hitching a ride on these trade winds into the higher elevations, these clouds will dole out their showers mostly in the night and early morning hours. The culprit, a weak high-pressure system reigning north of the islands, is not giving in just yet, sustaining those moderate winds. But, there's a tease of change post-Sunday as a cold front muscles in, breaking down the ridge to the north, hence, easing the wind speeds a touch.
For aviators, it's mostly a clear sky scenario. "Moderate to locally breezy trades will continue for the next several days. Low cigs and SHRA will impact windward and mauka areas," says the National Weather Service. Those peering into the sky can largely expect visual flight rules to prevail, with only "brief MVFR conds" anticipated amid heavier showers. At present, the skies are free of any aviation watches, warnings, or advisories.
On the aquatic front, mariners can expect to navigate in gentle to fresh trade winds, courtesy of the same high-pressure system. Projections indicate that wind speeds will remain just below the thresholds for a small craft advisory, particularly around Maui and the Big Island. However, a slight shift in conditions may occur starting Sunday with the arrival of a cold front. Today, a northwest swell is tapering off, but a new small north-northwest swell will make its brief appearance this weekend. As for south shore enthusiasts, they’re looking at “a series of overlapping south and southwest swells will keep south shore surf slightly elevated into early next week,” as mentioned by the National Weather Service.
