Honolulu is expecting mostly stable weather this Christmas weekend as easterly trade winds slow, bringing generally drier conditions with only brief passing showers. "Easterly trade winds are hanging on a little longer than we originally forecast, however drier trends with only brief passing showers will prevail in the short run," the forecast noted, though a cold front and upper-level disturbance could increase clouds and rainfall next week, according to the National Weather Service.
Currently, a low-pressure system northwest of Hawaii and a stalled front west of Kauai are influencing weather patterns, while a high-pressure ridge is promoting warmer and drier conditions. In aviation, VFR conditions are expected, but an AIRMET Sierra alert remains for mountain areas due to low cloud ceilings, which should clear after sunrise, as reported by the National Weather Service.
Mariners in Hawaii should expect changing conditions as surface high pressure to the north weakens, causing winds to shift from the southeast and south. A Small Craft Advisory is in effect through early Thursday morning for parts of Maui County and the Big Island, with officials stating, "The SCA may need to be extended for another day or two as trades slowly ease." A north-northeast swell will bring higher surf through Christmas Day, especially at Kahului and Hilo, before decreasing over the weekend, as stated by the National Weather Service.
