Honolulu woke up Friday to muggy air, light rain, and about 67°F at Daniel K. Inouye International Airport, with passing showers already dampening the morning commute. The soggy start is expected to turn breezier later in the day as trade winds kick up, boosting the odds of quick-hitting showers over windward and mauka spots. If you are heading outside, plan for gusty pockets of wind and brief, heavier bursts of rain that could cut visibility and leave slick, puddled roads.
Showers Likely Today; NNE Gusts Pick Up
Rain showers remain likely through Friday, with a high near 77°F and a 60% chance of precipitation, according to NWS Honolulu. The heavier bands could wring out between a quarter and a half inch of rain in short spurts. North-northeast winds are expected to build to 10–20 mph this afternoon, with gusts up to around 28 mph, so drivers should watch for fast-moving, wind-driven showers and occasional drops in visibility on wet pavement.
Weekend Wind Watch
Trades are forecast to strengthen into Saturday and become locally strong by Saturday evening, with gusts of 40–50 mph possible on some leeward coasts and ridges. A Wind Advisory may be needed for select leeward areas, and Small Craft Advisories are already in place for several channels through Saturday evening. For some context on the earlier March storm that stirred things up, see Kona low lashes Honolulu.
Marine And Surf
A north-northeast swell is expected to build late Saturday into Monday and could bring advisory-level surf to north- and east-facing shores. At the same time, leeward waters will likely turn choppier as trades strengthen. Small-craft conditions are expected to hang on into early next week, so boaters, paddlers, and other small-vessel operators should keep an eye on updated marine advisories before heading out.
How To Prepare
Keep rain gear within reach and secure loose outdoor items before the stronger gusts arrive. Drivers should steer clear of standing water and ease off the gas in heavier downpours. Out on the water, boaters are urged to respect the Small Craft Advisories and consider holding off on departures until conditions settle.
