A wind advisory is in effect for Oahu, Maui County and Hawaii as trade winds are forecast to strengthen Friday afternoon into Saturday. Winds of 25 to 35 mph with gusts near 50 mph are possible, especially around mountain ridges, downslope areas and valleys.
Chief meteorologist Jennifer Robbins said breezy to locally windy conditions are in the forecast as an area of high pressure strengthens to the north. A drier airmass is also moving in with the winds, while the usual showers for windward and mauka areas are expected to continue.
Oahu and Maui County
For residents and travelers on Oahu, Maui County and Hawaii, the most exposed spots are the higher terrain and the areas where winds accelerate as they move downhill or through valleys. That is where the strongest bursts are expected to show up first as the trades build through Friday afternoon and hold into Saturday.
Drew Davis said the trades could get disrupted again mid-week as remnant circulation from weakening Tropical Storm Genevieve moves into the area where high pressure usually resides in the summer. That sets up a short stretch of stronger winds now, followed by a possible change in the pattern later in the week.
Genevieve and the trades
The forecast also points to changing surf along different shores. South shore waves are slowly declining, east shore wave heights are trending up from swells from the increasing trades and Genevieve, and north and west shore waves will be small to flat.
For anyone planning to drive, hike or spend time outdoors in the advisory area, the practical move is to expect the strongest winds in the usual high-wind zones rather than the lowlands. The weather pattern now favors a windy weekend first, then a possible interruption to the trades mid-week.
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