Honolulu residents and visitors should prepare for a wetter weekend ahead. The National Weather Service in Honolulu has forecasted an increase in trade winds accompanied by enhanced shower activity. "Light to locally moderate trade winds will continue through tonight," but this weekend, expect those breezes to pick up, delivering a heavier mix of rains and potential thunderstorms, particularly for those on the windward side of the islands.
The National Weather Service discussion outlines how a stationary front, presently about 150 miles north of the islands, perpetuates a weak pressure gradient across the state. This meteorological subtlety brings mixed blessings with low clouds and isolated showers favoring the windward and mountain areas, in the overnight and early hours whereas, afternoon spats of precipitation could pop up over interior and leeward locales. This pattern of scattered showers prevails through the later part of this week but intensifies as the weekend looms closer, according to the National Weather Service.
Ostensibly, the Big Island and Maui are the contenders for heightened shower activity as satellite imagery indicates a subsequent, more significant moisture plume in their forecast. "Heavy showers and thunderstorms will be possible for mainly windward areas," the National Weather Service predicts, spotlighting the risk of flooding due to prolonged rainfall and saturated soils. Residents should remain alert, particularly as the mountains brace for increased showers, sometimes spreading leeward.
The National Weather Service further notes a keen watch on inclement weather for outdoor plans, as "a wet and breezy trade wind weather pattern looks to persist on Monday." Although the upper low prompting this instability is expected to weaken and veer south of the islands, ample moisture is forecasted to linger, keeping the shower conveyor belt running.
Mariners, too, are advised to heed the evolving conditions. A High Surf Advisory is in place until Saturday evening, alerting to robust north-northeast swells impacting the shores, and the National Weather Service anticipates Small Craft Advisories to unfold as this surge combines with reinforcing trade winds. Notably, a Marine Weather Statement underscores potential harbor surges in Kahului and Hilo Harbors, a direct effect of the prevailing swells.
