Honolulu woke up to mostly clear skies and a comfortable 72°F at Daniel K. Inouye International Airport (PHNL) on Monday, March 23, 2026, as northeast trade winds made their comeback. Those trades are running around 10 to 20 mph, with gusts pushing into the upper 20s. A few scattered showers could drift through in the morning, but conditions are expected to turn mostly sunny by midday, with a high near 79°F.
Afternoon Winds Pick Up
By this afternoon, northeast winds of 10 to 20 mph should be firmly in place, with gusts up to about 28 mph along exposed ridges and east-facing shores. Isolated showers are likely to hang on over windward and mauka slopes, while most neighborhoods stay largely dry. This trade-wind pattern, along with the continued Flood Watch for the Big Island, is highlighted in the latest forecast discussion from NWS Honolulu.
Flood Risk Eases But Watch Low-Lying Areas
Even as Honolulu shifts toward a drier trade-wind setup, Friday’s intense downpours are still a fresh memory. Those heavy rains triggered flash flooding and evacuations on Oʻahu’s North Shore, leaving some spots saturated and slow to drain. As AP News reported, crews rescued more than 200 people and officials issued evacuation orders at the height of the storm. With that recent soaking, isolated flooding could flare up again if a stubborn shower cell parks over the same area, so it is still smart to steer clear of driving through standing water.
Plan For The Day
For Monday planning, a light rain jacket in the morning will not hurt, and giving yourself extra time on routes through low-lying areas is a good idea where ponding may linger. Out on the water, boaters and beachgoers should be ready for choppy east-facing surf and gusty winds that can make small-craft travel uncomfortable; secure loose gear and follow any county advisories. Looking ahead, more typical trade-wind weather is expected to settle in by midweek, with lower humidity and highs holding in the upper 70s to around 80°F.
