Clouds are already stacked over Daniel K. Inouye International Airport early Monday, with temperatures hovering near 67°F as Honolulu heads into a wet and windy day. Scattered showers and thunderstorms are on tap this afternoon, some capable of heavy downpours, with highs near 75°F and breezy northeast winds. Rain chances sit around 60 to 70%, and a Flood Watch covers Oahu and most of the main islands through this afternoon, so residents in low-lying and windward spots should be ready for quick runoff and localized flooding.
Afternoon Rain And Flash Flood Risk
Showers and isolated thunderstorms are expected to sweep across the island chain this afternoon, and a few stronger cells could dump brief but intense rain. New rainfall totals of about three-quarters to one inch are possible in heavier storms, with locally higher rates on already saturated ground that could trigger flash flooding. Northeast winds of 6 to 17 mph, with gusts up to 24 mph, will help steer bands of showers into windward slopes. Keep tabs on updates from NWS Honolulu.
High Surf And Coastal Overwash
A large north-northeast swell will build this afternoon, pushing north and east facing shores into High Surf Warning territory starting around noon and lasting through 6 PM HST Tuesday. Some west-facing spots on Maui and the Big Island may see advisory-level surf tonight, and forecasters caution that overwash is possible on low-lying windward roads, along with heavy surges in a few north-facing harbors. It is a good day to stay well back from the water line and skip coastal drives during peak swell.
What To Expect And How To Stay Safe
Drivers should be ready for slick roads, ponding, and possible short-term closures under heavier downpours. Do not drive through standing water, even if it looks shallow. Beachgoers and small-craft operators should follow lifeguard and harbor advisories, and mariners can expect hazardous conditions. If you live in a flood-prone area, move vehicles and valuables to higher ground and make sure your household has a basic plan in case water rises quickly.
Looking Ahead
Through midweek, trade winds are expected to strengthen and pull in drier air into Thursday, with cooler nighttime lows, before winds shift southeasterly late in the week and afternoon highs return to the upper 70s to low 80s by Friday, according to NWS Honolulu. This forecast will be updated if Flash Flood Warnings or additional coastal alerts are issued.
For more on the broader setup behind this pattern, check out our gusty trades preview. We will post more updates here as conditions evolve.
