Honolulu is set to face strong trade winds continuing through the week, as confirmed by the National Weather Service (NWS). Islanders are expecting a "typical distribution of clouds and showers focused mainly over windward and mauka areas," with a high-pressure system at the core of these conditions. The 1035 mb high situated approximately 850 miles north of Honolulu is shunting breezy to windy trades across the Hawaiian archipelago. Winds are expected to be particularly intense today and tomorrow, warranting Wind Advisory measures in specific locales, as per NWS.
According to NWS reports, Maui County and Big Island are now under a Wind Advisory. This advisory could extend into the next few days as Kauai and Oahu are also projected to experience gusts just below advisory thresholds. Weather patterns will favor windward and mauka showers into Wednesday night, transitioning to an increase in shower activity as a weather front pushes through on Thursday.
In terms of aviation impacts, the strong surface high pressure is likely to stir up low-level turbulence in the lee of mountain terrain. An AIRMET TANGO warning is currently in effect, indicating ongoing turbulence concerns that are expected to persist. Aviation authorities and passengers should be prepared for brief periods of cloud-induced MVFR ceilings and visibility, although VFR conditions are anticipated to prevail overall.
Mariners, too, are advised to exercise caution as the strong to near gale force trade winds whip across Hawaiian waters through early Thursday, based on NWS forecasts. Sea conditions will remain rough throughout the week with a combination of wind waves and northwest swells. A Small Craft Advisory is in place for all Hawaiian waters and will likely continue for much of the week. Surfers along north and west-facing shores saw surf heights at High Surf Advisory levels this morning, with a drop expected by afternoon. East-facing shores will also remain rough due to the vigorous easterly trade winds.
The NWS also indicated that surf along the southern coasts will stay limited to small waves, comprised mostly of background swells from the south and southeast. Residents and visitors to the islands should stay informed on weather updates and adhere to advisories to ensure their safety during this blustery period.
