Oahu residents can expect a weekend mixed with sunshine and potential showers, as Honolulu's National Weather Service predicts a varied weather forecast. According to the NWS, light to moderate trade winds will begin calming down on Friday and remain light through the weekend. This pattern is expected to bring some showers to windward areas, so keep those umbrellas close by.
For the leeward and interior areas of the islands, sea breezes will likely contribute to occasional afternoon clouds and rain showers over the weekend. As for the big weather story, a low-pressure system aloft is anticipated to stir up the atmosphere come Saturday night and Sunday, meaning locals can see some heavy showers and even the chance of thunderstorms.
The trade winds are slowing down because a high-pressure system northeast of the islands is weakening. This will lead to weaker low-pressure areas to the north. As a result, leeward areas will have mostly clear nights due to land breezes, while light easterly winds will bring some showers to the windward side.
Maritime forecasts indicate that moderate to locally fresh easterly trades will persist for a short period before declining on Friday. Ocean-goers should anticipate gentle to moderate winds through Saturday, which are expected to strengthen by Sunday. Sailors and water sports enthusiasts will want to mark their calendars for early next week when winds may amp up to Small Craft Advisory levels, as per the NWS report.
North-facing shores will continue to see small surf throughout the weekend, while south-facing shores can anticipate a moderate increase in swell height by Sunday. Surf conditions are expected to hold into the early week but will begin tapering off mid-week.
