Oahu and the nearby islands can expect gentle to occasionally breezy trade winds with minimal rainfall. Higher terrain and windward areas may see light showers. These conditions are expected to last into early October, according to a report published on September 25 by the National Weather Service.
A high-pressure system is currently positioned along the middle latitudes, reinforcing the east trade winds. The National Weather Service notes that a low-pressure area moving east across the Gulf of Alaska could slightly reduce the pressure gradient, leading to a gentle weakening of the trade winds later in the week. However, the trade winds are expected to continue without any major disruption.
The mid to upper levels of the atmosphere are expected to remain relatively dry, with humidity below 50 percent at some altitudes, leading to clear skies and stable weather. However, Windward Big Island and higher elevations in Kauai may see more rainfall through Friday, according to the National Weather Service.
For air travelers, moderate trade winds will continue due to the high-pressure system. VFR conditions are expected across the state, with Kauai seeing some high clouds from the south. Aviation conditions will remain stable, with no AIRMETs in effect or anticipated soon.
A Small Craft Advisory is in effect until this evening for waters around Maui County and the Big Island, according to the National Weather Service. Winds are expected to stay near advisory levels before easing later tonight, though they may strengthen again early next week. Surfers can expect elevated conditions on south shores as swells peak today, with a gradual decline tonight.
The fire weather outlook remains uncertain for leeward areas experiencing moderate to severe drought. Although wind speeds at Honolulu Airport are not expected to reach the 20 mph Red Flag Warning level, the dryness, reflected by high Keetch-Byram Drought Index values, increases the fire risk, according to the National Weather Service.
