Honolulu is waking up to mostly clear skies and mild, late-March vibes on Saturday, March 28, with temperatures near 67°F at Daniel K. Inouye International Airport and afternoon highs expected to top out around 76°F. Northeast trade winds are set to crank up later today into the evening, with steady breezes in the upper teens and gusts commonly in the low 30s, and some leeward spots could briefly flirt with 40 mph. Scattered, quick-hitting showers will tag windward and mauka areas mainly this morning before drier air noses in later today. Boaters and shoreline commuters should bank on choppy conditions through the weekend.
Afternoon Winds Pick Up
Forecasters are calling for northeast winds of about 17 to 23 mph across much of Oʻahu this afternoon, with gusts up to 32 mph, and a few leeward locations could see stronger bursts near 40 mph this evening. That kind of breeze can make handling high-profile vehicles tricky and turn unsecured outdoor gear into projectiles, so it is a good day to lock down trash cans, umbrellas, and patio furniture. Winds should back off a bit overnight into Sunday as a drier air mass slides in, but expect it to stay on the breezy side into next week.
Marine And Surf
A Small Craft Advisory runs through 6 p.m. HST Sunday, March 29, for leeward waters and several channels and is expected to expand as northeasterly trades push seas higher, with seas near 10 feet or more possible in exposed waters, according to the NWS Honolulu. Short-period northeast swell combined with strengthening trades will juice up east-facing surf, while a larger north-northeast swell is poised to build north- and east-facing breaks late Sunday into Monday. Small boats should stick to protected harbors, and beachgoers are better off respecting lifeguard closures and shore break warnings.
What To Expect This Weekend
Look for highs in the mid 70s and overnight lows in the upper 60s, with isolated windward showers today and another round of early-morning showers likely to return on Monday. For context on the recent wet and windy pattern, check out Kona low lashes Honolulu. Keep tabs on any updated marine advisories before heading out on the water, and give yourself a little extra drive time if your route crosses exposed ridges or hugs the coast.
