Strong trade winds are expected to continue through the day across Hawaii. Wind Advisories are in effect for Maui and Hawaii Counties until this evening. The winds are raising fire danger concerns, especially in drier leeward areas. Fire risk is higher in the afternoon when conditions are usually at their lowest humidity, according to the National Weather Service.
A Small Craft Advisory is in effect until 6 PM HST today for all Hawaiian waters due to high winds and rough seas. Mariners are advised to use caution. The strong trade winds are caused by a high-pressure system located north of the islands. This system is expected to remain in place today, but the winds may start to weaken by Wednesday as the high-pressure ridge begins to lose strength, as reported by the National Weather Service.
"Stable conditions with breezy to windy trade winds will continue across the state today," as stated by the National Weather Service. East-facing shores have rough and choppy surf due to easterly winds, but conditions may improve later in the week. South-facing shores have a declining swell. High-level cirrus clouds are expected statewide. Light showers are possible in windward mountain areas, while leeward areas may see relative humidity drop to around 45 percent, creating near-critical fire weather conditions without reaching warning levels.
