The National Weather Service (NWS) in Honolulu is forecasting a week of varying weather conditions for the islands, starting with moderate to locally breezy tradewinds today. According to the latest weather synopsis, these conditions are expected to ease up and shift by coming Sunday as a broad, weak trough moves through the region.
For today, high-pressure systems located to the northwest and northeast of Hawaii are keeping those trademark breezy tradewinds in place. "Incoming low clouds and showers will focus across windward Kauai and Big Island this morning, likely decreasing over these areas around midday," the NWS discusses. Despite the damp morning, windward areas should clear up by afternoon while the rest of the state enjoys mostly dry conditions.
As we look to Sunday and the beginning of the workweek, winds are projected to weaken, veering to the east-southeast. This change comes as a low-level trough develops over the islands, which, paired with an uptick in clouds and showers rolling in from the southeast, could lead to a slight increase in overnight showers, particularly in windward and mauka areas.
Heading into the latter half of next week, predictions show trades picking up once more with a moisture band from a spent front trailing in come Wednesday night. This resurgence will be bolstered by a strengthening surface high to our northeast, indicating more robust easterly trades as we approach next weekend. As a result of these conditions, surfing conditions along the east shores will be "rough and choppy for the next couple of days due to the locally breezy trades," the NWS report specifies. Furthermore, a small craft advisory remains in effect for certain water channels around Maui and the Big Island until 6 AM HST Sunday.
For water enthusiasts, there's good news with a tiny long-period south swell forecasted to arrive on the scene. Peak conditions on Monday are anticipated to elevate south shore surf to near summertime average levels. Sadly, for those seeking the thrill on the north-facing shores, expect the surf to remain minimal throughout the next seven days.
