Residents of Hawaii can anticipate stable weather into the weekend with light winds primarily coming from the south, as reported by the National Weather Service in Honolulu. Forecasters are watching a pair of fronts that seem content to linger northwest of Kauai, giving rise to predictions of subtle variations in the island chain's wind speed and direction. However, no significant increase in rainfall is expected, with the best odds for a few showers occurring over leeward areas of Kauai and Oahu.
According to the NWS, a shift is expected early next week with the return of trade winds starting Sunday. These winds are projected to strengthen by Tuesday, potentially bringing more showers to the windward sides of the islands. The increase in wind may also carry vog, volcanic smog from Kilauea's ongoing eruption, to other parts of Hawaii. The USGS webcam indicates that the current eruption episode may be nearing its end, which could reduce the presence of vog.
On the marine front, surf conditions are expected to increase with the arrival of a large to extra-large northwest swell, which could lead to a High Surf Warning for select north and west-facing shores. The National Weather Service has also noted the potential for coastal overwash on Friday morning as the swell coincides with high tide. A Small Craft Advisory may be issued later today in response to the increasing swell. In contrast, the south and east-facing shores are expected to see minimal surf activity throughout the week.
The National Weather Service forecast office indicates that the current northwest swell has decreased significantly, resulting in the cancellation of the High Surf Advisory. A new moderate to large swell is expected on Monday. Light to moderate southerly winds are forecast to shift to stronger trade winds by the latter half of next week, which may increase surf along east-facing shores, potentially approaching advisory thresholds.
Currently, no advisories or warnings are in effect from the Honolulu Forecast Office, but residents and visitors in Hawaii should stay alert as conditions change.
