Honolulu locals and visitors may have noticed the strong and gusty trade winds that seem to be hanging around a bit longer, but they can expect a bit of a reprieve heading into the weekend. According to the National Weather Service (NWS) - Honolulu, these conditions are due to persist into Friday before beginning to gradually ease. Most areas will continue to see mostly dry and stable conditions through Friday, with showers favoring the windward and mauka areas overnight and in the morning.
"Increasing moisture and instability associated with an upper disturbance, combined with light to moderate east-southeast winds, will lead to higher rain chances this weekend through early next week," noted the NWS report. Not only windward and mauka areas are expected to see more rain, but leeward locations may also get wet due to the development of afternoon sea breezes.
Aviation interests haven't gone unaffected by the strong winds; breezy to strong trade winds are projected to continue today before showing signs of calming down on Friday. Pilots can expect generally favorable visual flight rules (VFR) conditions, but they should be prepared for potential marginal visual flight rules (MVFR) conditions in terms of ceilings and visibility, especially over Maui and the Big Island in the morning hours. The NWS cautions that AIRMET Tango, signaling moderate low-level turbulence, will likely stay in place, impacting areas over and downwind of the island terrain.
Boaters should exercise caution, as the NWS has extended the Small Craft Advisory for most coastal waters until this evening or into Friday afternoon for some areas due to the powerful trade winds and elevated seas. Despite the inconvenience, the trade winds are set to become more tolerable by the weekend's entrance. "Moderate to fresh east to east-southeast winds will likely persist into early next week," the forecast mentioned, signaling ongoing challenges for mariners.
Surfers might have less to complain about; they've been treated to a moderate north-northwest swell that's set to decline, followed by a similar-sized west-northwest swell expected tonight, potentially reaching High Surf Advisory levels. East-facing shores are maintaining rough and choppy surf conditions that are predicted to mellow out over the weekend as the trades diminish. For anyone looking to catch waves or simply enjoy a less tumultuous shoreline, these conditions may offer the change they've been waiting for.
Residents and travelers in Hawaii should stay updated on weather alerts to stay safe and plan activities. While windy conditions persist for now, the weekend will bring calmer winds and more rain.
