Residents of Hawaii can expect a slight reprieve from the typically breezy trade winds as a high pressure ridge north of the islands is forecasted to weaken over the next couple of days. According to the National Weather Service in Honolulu, this will result in moderate trade winds through Friday. The current weather synopsis suggests that dry conditions will mostly persist, with just a few showers likely, predominantly affecting windward and mountain areas during the night.
It appears that the winds are set to decrease enough to favor the development of a hybrid sea breeze and trade wind pattern from Monday through to Friday. This will allow to gradual strengthening sea breezes along the west-facing mountain slopes of the islands. However, rainfall looks to be scant, with just a stray shower or two possible in the late afternoons along the convergence zones. The local aviation community can breathe easy as VFR conditions are expected to dominate the skies for the next couple of days.
As for those looking to hit the water, the marine forecast points to a brief period of moderate to locally strong trade winds, prompting a Small Craft Advisory for certain windy areas through this afternoon. "A Small Craft Advisory is in effect for the windier waters and channels around Maui County and the Big Island as well as the leeward portions of Kauai waters through this afternoon," was the advisory issued by the National Weather Service. After today, the high pressure is expected to weaken, easing back the winds to moderate levels.
Surf conditions will see a bit of fluctuation, with the current small long-period south-southwest swell set to decline through Monday. A similarly-sized swell is anticipated to arrive midweek, offering another boost to south shore surf. As for the east shore, expect surf near seasonal average, though it's predicted to drop off a bit by mid-week. For the North Shore, the surf will stay minimal, but a new north-northwest swell could be on the horizon later in the week. Coastal flooding shouldn't be a concern despite higher than normal tides expected early in the afternoon up to Wednesday, but since these coincide with the gaps between south swells, impacts should be minimal.
The issued advisories serve as a note of caution for mariners and beachgoers alike. The National Weather Service cautions that "Small Craft Advisory until 6 PM HST this evening for Kauai Northwest Waters, Kauai Leeward Waters, Maalaea Bay, Pailolo Channel, Alenuihaha Channel, Big Island Leeward Waters, Big Island Southeast Waters." With safety in mind, it's always best to stay informed on any changes to both weather and marine conditions which can rapidly evolve.
