Honolulu is waking up to light rain and breezy trades this morning, with Daniel K. Inouye International Airport reporting light showers and visibility holding near 10 miles. Temperatures are running seasonable, with mid‑70s overnight and highs near 85 expected today, while east‑northeast trade winds are already gusting into the 20s. Showers will be scattered and quick moving, favoring windward and mauka neighborhoods, with plenty of dry breaks in between passing cells.
Afternoon Winds Pick Up
By this afternoon, sustained east‑northeast winds around 20 to 22 mph are expected, with gusts up to about 31 mph. That will leave ridgelines and exposed coastlines feeling especially blustery. Small boats and shoreline users should plan for choppy water and sudden wind bursts that can kick up surface spray in a hurry. This trend of breezy to locally windy trades is outlined in the National Weather Service forecast discussion according to NWS Honolulu.
High Surf For South Shores
A High Surf Advisory is in effect for south‑facing shores until 6 PM HST Friday, July 24, with sets this morning running in the 8 to 12 foot range and easing to about 7 to 10 feet this afternoon. Ocean safety officials are warning of strong breaking waves and dangerous rip currents, and lifeguards are urging people to stay out of the water at unguarded beaches and keep off jetties. The advisory details and today's surf heights are posted by NWS Honolulu.
Watch The Fausto Swell
Forecasters say a reinforcing long‑period south‑southwest swell from Hurricane Fausto could re‑energize south shores over the weekend and may force the advisory to be extended through Saturday or Sunday. The National Hurricane Center currently projects Fausto to weaken as it moves west, but its swell and timing remain uncertain, so surf and marine conditions could spike early next week per the National Hurricane Center. Expect the largest surf for some south‑facing exposures late Sunday into mid‑week, depending on Fausto's track.
Small Boats, Beachgoers And What To Do
Small craft should check in with harbormasters and avoid exposed channels while Small Craft Advisories are in effect, since some channels may stay choppy into the weekend. For beach visitors, lifeguards recommend obeying warning flags, steering clear of rocks and piers, and keeping children within arm's reach near the water. Our earlier post has background on recent surf activity and rescues at popular south‑shore beaches. If the advisory is extended, we will update this post.
Plan for gusty winds on the afternoon commute and pack a light rain layer for those pop‑up showers. We will post updates if the High Surf Advisory or other marine headlines change.
