Honolulu residents might want to grab their umbrellas and prepare for a shift in weather as a lo- pressure system slowly makes its way towards the Hawaiian Islands. Forecasters from the National Weather Service in Honolulu predict the system, which is currently located north of the island chain, will begin its southern drift this week, accompanied by a weakening cold front. According to the NWS Honolulu Forecast, trade winds are expected to "diminish into light and variable winds by tonight with daytime sea breezes and overnight land breezes for all islands through the weekend."
Residents of Kauai and Niihau, in particular, should prepare to possibly hunker down as these islands could see increased chances for showers and potential thunderstorms by Thursday and Friday. The NWS explains that a surface trough associated with the low pressure system "will weaken into a surface trough as it stalls out near Kauai from Thursday into Friday." Showers that develop in this area might be heavy at times and could certainly slow down some outdoor activities.
The Big Island isn't out of the woods either — the weather is expected to take a turn there as well. "Additional enhanced rainfall may develop on Friday and Saturday afternoon along the Kona slopes of the Big Island mountains," as stated by the NWS. This rainfall could come with a side of thunderstorms due to a combination of "deeper unstable tropical moisture into the sea breeze weather pattern over the Big Island from Friday into Saturday" and the afternoon heating along the mountain slopes.
By the first half of next week, trade winds are slated to make a comeback. This resurgence is courtesy of the low pressure system shifting westward away from Hawaii. As the trade winds return, so does more typical island weather. "The broad ridge north of the region to build in allowing more stable trade wind weather to return to the islands by next week Tuesday and Wednesday," the NWS advises. Though showers might still pass through, especially in windward mountain areas during the early morning hours, the weather is expected to calm down.
For those concerned about air travel, no AIRMETs are currently in effect, but conditions could change as the system nears. Boat operators and beachgoers are also encouraged to stay updated. The marine forecast has remained unchanged, but variable winds and potential thunderstorms near the Kauai waters are a possibility through the end of the week. A moderate N-NNE swell is projected to bring some energy to north and west-facing shores later in the week as well.
