Honolulu woke Tuesday to mostly clear skies, a warm 78 degrees and northeast winds around 21 mph—but the quiet-looking start is deceptive. Isolated showers are possible as temperatures climb to 87, while a much windier stretch is set to arrive Wednesday through Friday as Hurricane Lowell passes south of the islands.
The National Weather Service expects showers to favor windward and mauka areas, particularly overnight and during the early morning hours. Honolulu and other leeward spots should see more sun overall, but brief passing showers remain possible as tropical moisture moves through.
Tuesday Brings Sun, Heat And A Few Showers
Tuesday’s forecast calls for mostly sunny skies, a high near 87 degrees and a 20% chance of isolated rain showers. Northeast winds around 21 mph could gust to 29 mph, making exposed areas feel noticeably breezy even during the warmest part of the afternoon.
Winds Turn More Serious Wednesday Through Friday
Winds are expected to strengthen Wednesday, with northeast-to-east winds around 22 mph and gusts up to 31 mph. Thursday and Friday could bring sustained winds near 25 mph, gusts as high as 36 mph and a better chance of passing showers, with select areas potentially seeing even stronger gusts.
Thursday’s showers should be most likely before noon before skies turn mostly sunny, while Friday is forecast to bring scattered showers and another high near 86 degrees. The combination of strong winds and pockets of drier air could also raise fire concerns in some leeward areas, even though recent rainfall has kept fuels from reaching critical levels.
Hurricane Lowell Adds Uncertainty To Weekend Plans
As of Tuesday morning, the National Hurricane Center had upgraded Lowell to a hurricane and forecast it to strengthen further before passing south of the Big Island late Wednesday into Thursday. The storm’s core is expected to remain south of the main islands, but its moisture and tightening pressure pattern are expected to amplify trade winds across the state.
Surf will also need watching, with a south swell building through Wednesday and elevated waves along east-facing shores through the week. A Small Craft Advisory remains posted for several typically windy Hawaiian waters through 6 p.m. Wednesday, and the weekend outlook remains unsettled as forecasters continue tracking Lowell and Hurricane Karina.
