Honolulu is starting Thursday with partly cloudy skies, but the island’s relatively calm weather window will not last long. Sunshine and a high near 87 degrees are expected today, with northeast winds reaching 14 to 21 mph and gusts up to 29 mph before a much more unsettled weekend arrives.
Afternoon Winds Pick Up Before Stormier Weekend
Friday should begin with a few isolated showers before turning sunny, although winds will strengthen and could gust as high as 31 mph. According to the National Weather Service in Honolulu, the combination of drier air and stronger trades could raise wildfire risk across Hawaii.
Friday night brings a 40% chance of scattered showers, mostly cloudy skies and northeast winds of 20 to 23 mph. By Saturday, the forecast calls for tropical storm conditions to be possible, with rain showers likely, winds of 23 to 28 mph and a 70% chance of precipitation.
Tropical System Could Change Weekend Plans
Forecasters are tracking Tropical Storm Lala, which could move near the Big Island late Friday or early Saturday before heading northwest. The current Hurricane Watch covers the Big Island and surrounding waters, not Oahu, but the storm could still bring strong winds, heavy rain and rough surf to the rest of the state through the weekend.
The broad Hawaii forecast currently includes 5 to 10 inches of rain from Friday through the weekend, with locally higher totals possible. The heaviest rainfall is favored for the Big Island and Maui County, while Oahu could see heavier rain bands beginning Saturday night and continuing into Sunday.
Sunday looks especially unsettled in Honolulu, with rain showers likely, mostly cloudy skies, a high near 87 degrees and wind gusts up to 33 mph. Showers may linger Sunday night and Monday before conditions trend brighter Tuesday, when partly sunny to sunny skies and highs in the mid-80s return.
Surf, Currents And Boating Hazards
A High Surf Advisory remains in effect for south-facing shores through 6 a.m. Friday, with breaking waves of 8 to 12 feet. The High Surf Advisory warns that strong waves and currents will make swimming dangerous, including along Honolulu-area beaches.
Boaters should also expect choppier conditions as trade winds strengthen. A Small Craft Advisory begins Thursday evening for the Kaiwi Channel, Oahu’s leeward waters and nearby Maui waters, so mariners should secure loose gear, check harbor guidance and reconsider nonessential trips into exposed channels.
More Typical Trades May Return Next Week
After the weekend’s tropical-weather concerns, scattered showers remain possible Monday, followed by mostly sunny conditions Tuesday and isolated showers Wednesday. Residents and visitors should continue monitoring official updates as the storm’s track and strength become clearer.
