Oahu residents should be ready to grab their umbrellas as light showers are expected to hit the eastern half of the island chain starting today, with this trend continuing through Wednesday. According to the National Weather Service in Honolulu, a shallow band of moisture is moving south, being steered by a stable, breezy northeasterly flow. While the rain shouldn't pose too much of an inconvenience, with rates under 0.25 inches per hour, it's still something for those in affected areas like Maui County to keep in mind.
A shift in weather patterns is on the horizon starting Wednesday as weak easterly trade winds take over, followed by moderate trade winds and the usual windward rainfall kicking in by Friday. "Satellite and radar imagery shows a band of moisture moving through Maui County, producing scattered light rainfall," details the National Weather Service in its latest forecast. Despite a passing disturbance up above, a "mid level ridge should cap cloud depth below 10,000 ft and limit shower intensity." So while you might notice more clouds dotting the sky, the rain isn't expected to disrupt your day too severely.
For those near Kilauea volcano, increased volcanic activity is bringing back vog, which will depend on the wind and your location. Aviation and marine advisories are in place. Light showers and mountain obscuration are affecting some flights, with a warning for areas on the windward sides of Kauai, Oahu, Molokai, and Maui. A High Surf Advisory is in effect for most north-facing shores due to a moderate to large swell, lasting until this evening. There's also a Small Craft Advisory until 6 PM HST for mariners because of the swell, as reported by the National Weather Service.
By the weekend, after the current conditions calm down, typical windward and mauka showers are expected. Fresh to strong trade winds will return. For surfers, east-facing shores will have moderate surf all week, with a bigger swell possibly reaching advisory levels by Thursday. South-facing shores will remain calm with little surf.
