By Nikki Garrett Metzger
(Hawaii)–Gusty trades will continue through midweek as strong high pressure remains far north of the state. The trades will decrease a bit the last half of the week as the ridge weakens. Light passing showers are expected for windward and mauka areas for the next few days, with an increase in trade showers possible late Wednesday and Thursday.
The Memorial Day Monday saw windy conditions with gusts reaching 30 to 40 mph in many areas, with some locations gusting well over 40 mph. The combination of surface high pressure far to the north and a stable air mass over the islands are causing these gusty trade winds. The dry and stable air mass is also keeping trade showers to a minimum. This general pattern remains in place today and much of tomorrow, with gusty winds, brief passing trade showers and a fair amount of sunshine.
The above normal seas and swell generated by the strong and gusty trades, will continue to impact the exposed east facing shores today. A high surf advisory is in effect until 6 pm HST today for east facing shores. As the trades decrease, the choppy windward surf will correspondingly subside.
A wind advisory is in effect until 6 am HST Wednesday for Big Island summits, Big Island interior, specifically the saddle area, and Haleakala summit.
This weather pattern will shift towards wetter trades late Wednesday. With lighter winds, we’re expecting a period of wetter trade shower weather through late Thursday.
By Friday into the coming weekend, we’ll see more typical stable trade wind weather.