Honolulu woke up warm and muggy Wednesday, with temperatures near 77°F and low clouds drifting into windward neighborhoods. Highs are expected to top out near 86°F today with overnight lows in the mid 70s, so those evenings are staying on the sticky side. East northeast trade winds will steer most showers toward windward and mauka areas, while leeward neighborhoods remain mostly dry.
Afternoon Winds Crank Up
Those east northeast trades will kick up this afternoon to around 17 to 21 mph, with gusts that could reach about 29 mph along exposed ridges and coastal stretches. The gusts will leave east facing shores on the choppy side and can shove quick bursts of wind into valley routes, so drivers of high profile vehicles and cyclists should take it easy. Aviation conditions should stay mostly VFR, although brief, localized MVFR is possible over windward and mountain areas during heavier showers, and an AIRMET for low level turbulence remains in effect.
Marine Hazards And King Tides
The National Weather Service has a Small Craft Advisory up for all Hawaiian coastal waters through 6 AM HST Thursday, and mariners should be ready for fresh to strong trades and choppy seas. The NWS also notes that higher than normal high tides, including King Tides, are possible beginning late this weekend, so anyone in low lying coastal spots should keep an eye on tide charts and forecasts. If you plan to head out on the water, postpone if you can or take extra precautions while the advisory is in effect to avoid getting caught in gusty, short period seas.
Showers Tonight And Through The Weekend
Scattered showers are likely tonight with isolated downpours, especially over windward and mauka sections, with the greatest coverage expected overnight and in the early morning hours. Forecasters expect batches of deeper tropical moisture later this week and again over the weekend, which will lift the inversion and make nights feel even more humid. Keep a light rain jacket handy for evening plans, since showers will be brief but can be heavy at times.
We flagged similar sticky trades and small boat concerns last week in our earlier coverage. Check the latest local forecasts and marine updates before heading out, and stay alert to tide advisories if you live or work along vulnerable stretches of coast.
