Honolulu began Monday under light rain, with temperatures near 79 degrees and strong easterly winds already blowing across the city. The wet and unsettled pattern is expected to intensify, with frequent showers, thunderstorms and heavy downpours forecast through the day as Hurricane Lowell moves north of the islands.
Monday’s high should reach about 86 degrees, but rain is expected nearly all day and winds will run 16 to 22 mph from the east, with higher gusts. The National Weather Service in Honolulu is calling for 1 to 2 inches of additional rain, while Monday night could bring another 3 to 4 inches and the possibility of tropical-storm conditions.
Oahu Watch Brings Wind And Flood Concerns
A Tropical Storm Watch is in effect for Oahu, including Honolulu Metro, East Honolulu, Kaimuki, the Ewa Plain and other communities. Local forecasts call for peak winds of 20 to 30 mph with gusts up to 40 mph, though tropical-storm-force winds remain possible if Lowell’s track shifts closer.
A Flood Watch also remains in effect through Tuesday afternoon, with 3 to 6 inches of additional rain possible in parts of Oahu and locally higher amounts. Low-lying roads, underpasses and areas near overflowing streams could become hazardous quickly, so drivers should never attempt to cross moving or standing floodwater. The latest alert is a significant escalation from the earlier conditions described in Hoodline’s previous coverage.
South Shore Surf Turns Dangerous
A High Surf Warning remains in effect for south-facing shores through Tuesday evening. Surf around Oahu could build to 15 to 25 feet Monday afternoon and night, with powerful currents, wave run-up and possible coastal flooding during high tide.
Residents and visitors should stay away from exposed beaches, coastal benches, lava flows and harbor entrances while the swell peaks. The National Weather Service warns that extra-large waves may push water onto roads and threaten low-lying coastal property, particularly along south-facing shorelines.
Rain Gradually Eases Later This Week
Tuesday will stay mostly cloudy with frequent showers, a high near 87 degrees and a heat index as high as 96, while Wednesday brings scattered showers and a high near 88. Conditions should improve Thursday, when morning showers give way to mostly sunny skies, followed by mostly sunny weather and only isolated showers Friday and Saturday, according to the National Weather Service forecast discussion.
