As Honolulu braces for a slight shift in weather patterns, the National Weather Service in Honolulu has issued its latest forecast, highlighting a couple of days marked by weak sea-breeze winds and sparse showers. By Thursday night, however, a weak front is expected to make its presence felt, slowly making its way across the state and carrying with it an increase in showers, progressing from west to east. According to the forecast discussion obtained by the National Weather Service Honolulu, "Sunday will become more humid as southerly winds increase ahead of yet another front."
Residents can expect the weak sea- and land-breezes to hold sway under the influence of an upper-level ridge through Wednesday night. But come Thursday, those breezes are expected to be overshadowed by a weak cold front, moving in gradually through Saturday, bringing with it a change in wind direction and a slight uptick in shower activity. As this front approaches, "winds will become north and then northeast," a statement obtained by the National Weather Service reports. Moving gradually, the front is anticipated to stall near the Big Island by Saturday before it pulls north on Sunday.
The outlook for aviators remains largely undisturbed, with the National Weather Service forecasting "VFR conditions will prevail today." Light southeasterly winds clearing skies overnight are to thank, with some interior clouds and showers predicted for the afternoon. Maritime conditions reflect this relative calm, with light winds prevailing through Thursday thanks to a surface ridge that's settled southward over the islands.
However, surfers and mariners should be alert to changing conditions, as surf along north- and west-facing shores will trend up through the day due to a medium-period northwest swell. "Heights could near the advisory levels by tonight before gradually easing Wednesday into Thursday," detailed by the Marine discussion obtained by the National Weather Service. Enthusiasts of the waves must keep a keen eye on a larger northwest swell expected later this week, which promises to ride in on gale- to storm-force winds. Despite the swell, surf along east-facing shores will remain disappointingly small due to a lack of trades upstream.
Moving into early next week, Honolulu's usual tropical tranquility may be at risk as another front is slated to introduce the potential for strong winds and heavy rain. Even amidst some model disagreement on the front's progression, the Weather Service advises caution as Monday could unfurl with a flourish of more intense weather activity.
