Honolulu is hanging onto its hats as gusty trade winds sweep across the state, pushing deep tropical moisture that's set to drench parts of Maui and the Big Island with moderate to locally heavy rainfall, according to the latest from the National Weather Service in Honolulu. Earlier today, the National Weather Service report prepared Hawaiians for a soggy reality, primarily for windward and mauka areas, before spreading to other islands later in the day.
Kauai has seen only light rain, while Maui and the Big Island have recorded up to 0.20 inches. More rain is expected as trade winds strengthen, which could cause brief flooding, especially in the Mauka areas. Some windier spots may reach advisory levels, and the Big Island summits could see a brief dusting of snow before turning back to rain.
The NWS says scattered showers will mostly stay in windward and mauka areas, though stronger trade winds could bring rain to leeward regions. Heavy rainfall should lessen later today, but breezy, showery conditions will continue through Thursday.
Mariners should note that a Small Craft Advisory is in effect, with strong winds in the Alenuihaha Channel. A northwest swell is raising surf from Kauai to Maui, possibly triggering a High Surf Advisory. Combined seas are expected to exceed 10 feet early Friday but should ease by the weekend as the weather front moves north.
The NWS says no fire weather is expected. Showers will continue, especially over Maui County and the Big Island, with gusty trade winds through Thursday. Winds should ease early next week, bringing calmer and drier conditions.
