Honolulu's weather this week is expected to follow a breezy summertime trade wind pattern according to the National Weather Service (NWS). Windward and mauka areas can anticipate more clouds and showers during the night and early morning hours. Breezy conditions are set to continue through at least Tuesday, with minor fluctuations in wind speeds and rain chances.
High pressure system present to the north and northeast of Hawaii is maintaining the breezy trades. "Model guidance indicates that the local pressure gradient may fluctuate some midweek," service reports indicate, suggesting a possible variation in trade wind speeds. Meanwhile, an upper level low just west of Kauai could cause a slight uptick in showers for that area.
In terms of aviation, the trade winds are bringing occasional low clouds and showers to windward and mauka spots, which may cause brief drops in ceilings and visibility. But outside of these showers, very favorable flying (VFR) conditions are dominating. On the flip side, aviators should brace for moderate turbulence leeward of mountains across all islands, a condition highlighted by the current AIRMET Tango advisory.
Mariners are also feeling the wind's effects, with a Small Craft Advisory (SCA) in place through early Tuesday morning for certain waters near Maui and the Big Island. "High pressure north of the region will continue to produce fresh to locally strong trade winds throughout the week," the NWS explains. Swells from the south will elevate surf heights along south facing shores, while rough and choppy conditions will persist on east facing shores.
Safety remains paramount for small crafts navigating the Maalaea Bay, Pailolo Channel, Alenuihaha Channel, Big Island Leeward Waters, and Big Island Southeast Waters. As the week progresses, conditions are likely to persist, warranting continued caution and adherence to advisories.
