Honolulu is running mostly clear this afternoon (Friday, July 17), with highs in the upper 80s, about 87°F, and overnight lows near 75 to 76°F. East-northeast trade winds stay steady and gusty into the 20s, so exposed shorelines will feel breezier than the numbers alone suggest. Scattered trade showers will favor windward and mauka areas tonight and again over the weekend, while most central and leeward neighborhoods stay dry during the daytime sunshine.
Afternoon Winds Pick Up
Trade winds remain the main story through Saturday (July 18), with an east-northeast flow around 13 to 16 mph and gusts into the low 20s that can rattle unsecured patio furniture and turn shoreline walks into a bit of a wind tunnel. Forecasts call for winds to ease a bit early next week, then strengthen again by midweek as high pressure rebuilds north of the islands. A light jacket will feel good for evening beach breaks, and it is a good idea to secure loose outdoor items before the gustier periods.
Marine And Surf Outlook
A Small Craft Advisory is in effect for the Alenuihaha Channel, Big Island leeward waters, Big Island southeast waters, Maalaea Bay and the Pailolo Channel through Saturday evening (July 18). Boaters are urged to secure small vessels and hold off on nonessential trips. A fresh south-southwest swell will briefly boost south-facing surf into Saturday, and forecasters say a larger moderate south swell from Tropical Storm Elida could arrive early to mid next week, lifting south-shore surf. See the National Weather Service Honolulu for zone-specific advisories and surf details.
Local Context And What To Watch
Harbor users and small-boat operators should check county harbor notices and lifeguard advisories before launching, since closures or precautionary restrictions may be posted for exposed ramps. We covered a similar uptick in trades and boating alerts earlier this year, when trade winds cranked up and small boats were on alert for rougher conditions. If you have outdoor plans this weekend, aim for mid-day activities when skies are sunniest, and be ready for quick windward showers outside of those windows.
Bottom line: expect sunny afternoons and breezy conditions through the weekend, with scattered trade showers and a marine advisory in place through Saturday, July 18. Updates will follow if any watches or advisories change before next week.
