Honolulu residents, you might want to keep your rain gear handy. The National Weather Service in Honolulu is forecasting a wet pattern that's set to continue through early November. Trade winds are kicking up the surf, and there's a higher chance of showers especially across windward and mauka areas. So, whether you're heading out for Halloween or your daily commute, be ready to duck into cover or grab an umbrella to stay dry.
According to the official forecast, "shower activity will focus along windward-exposed areas and higher terrain." This means that if you're living or traveling on windward sides of the islands, expect to see more rainfall. However, despite the increase in showers, the NWS doesn't anticipate any widespread flooding issues. The showers are expected to be brief and range from light to moderately intense. Still, with higher moisture levels in the mix, it’s wise to always be aware of the potential for flash flooding in prone areas.
Trade winds aren't just bringing in rain; they're affecting the sea as well. A Small Craft Advisory is in effect until tomorrow evening for several channels and waters around Maui and the Big Island due to the robust winds. Mariners, take note and proceed with caution. In terms of surf, a north-northeast swell is declining, but another swell from the north is on the rise this weekend, with the possibility of hitting advisory levels.
So, for beachgoers looking to hang ten or just enjoy the ocean spray, prepare for rough conditions on east-facing shores, which will sustain through the week. By contrast, south-facing shores are set to remain calm with a mixture of swells. Meanwhile, moderate to locally breezy trades are to continuously sweep across the region until the weekend. There's a forecast for a slight decrease, but don't get too comfortable – another upper trough development could stir things up again by early next week. Now it's paramount to regularly keep up with the updates, as weather patterns seem to quickly pivot, almost as swiftly as the changing tides.
