Oahu’s windward side and nearby islands experienced the return of trade winds following the departure of Post-Tropical Cyclone Kiko earlier this week. According to the National Weather Service, these trade winds are expected to continue, delivering occasional showers mainly across windward areas and upslope mauka regions.
The latest weather discussion reports a weakening upper-level ridge, which may be replaced by a re-strengthening system early next week. An easterly wave, currently moving through the region, is expected to increase shower activity, particularly across the eastern part of the state. On Wednesday, over an inch of rainfall was recorded on the windward sides of Oahu, Kauai, and the Big Island. Additionally, a high temperature of 94 degrees was recorded in Kahului, surpassing the previous record set in 1984.
Aviation alerts remain minimal, with no AIRMETs currently in effect, despite a slight increase in wind speeds and showers moving into mountainous areas. The National Weather Service indicates that visual flight rules (VFR) conditions are expected to prevail overall, though brief periods of marginal VFR may occur due to passing showers.
Marine conditions are returning to normal as the remaining effects of Kiko dissipate from the northwest offshore waters. High pressure building to the northeast of the state is expected to maintain steady trade winds, with a Small Craft Advisory (SCA) possible on Friday for some choppier channels. Swell activity includes a gradual decrease in the current south swell today, followed by the arrival of a modest long-period swell on Friday, which is expected to subside over the weekend.
On the fire weather front, risks remain low as tradewinds return, maintaining typical humidity levels for the upcoming week. Showers today are mainly focused on the eastern areas, with an increased chance of enhanced showers expected next Tuesday and Wednesday. Toward the weekend, showers are predicted to be limited and primarily concentrated in windward and mauka regions.
