Forecast: Slower winds for now but winds will ramp up

HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow Studios) -A first alert heads up, more rain could be developing this weekend and eventually next week the remnants of Kristy. Visible satellite imagery shows limited low clouds and showers moving into leeward areas from the east this afternoon, along with some sea breeze induced inland cloud build ups. Patchy dense cirrus can also be seen moving across the region from the west.With low pressure systems to both the northwest and northeast of the state maintaining a weak local pressure gradient, winds are expected to remain light through most of the work week. This weaker background flow will allow daytime sea breezes and nighttime land breezes to bring interior cloud build ups through the day followed by clearing at night. Ridging aloft and a relatively dry airmass moving over the state will help to limit shower development over the next couple of days. In addition, the subtropical jet to the west of the state will continue to provide periods of high clouds over the region through the week, especially tonight through tomorrow.This drier pattern with light winds will likely transition to a more active pattern this weekend as a combination of factors contribute to increasing trade wind speeds, atmospheric instability and moisture.
Let’s talk surf: In the Country there is a High Surf Advisory. A moderate size, medium period north swell is peaking early this morning and will begin to slowly fade later today. Thus, the High Surf Advisory remains in effect for the north-facing shores of Niihau, Kauai, Oahu, Molokai, Maui and Big Island today. A late week northwest to north moderate, medium period swell may again increase surf along north-facing shores to near the advisory levels. A mid week arrival of a small, long period south swell may bump up south-facing shore surf during the second half of the week. Eastern shore chop will remain very small due to a lack of any significant trade flow.
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