Trade winds begin to strengthen as warm days continue

HONOLULU (KHON2) – A shallow batch of moisture that moved over the island chain today is clearing this evening, allowing a stable trade wind flow to return.

The moisture was not very impressive, leading to a slight boost in windward rainfall from the Big Island to Oahu.

However, the increase in shower activity was more extensive on leeward Big Island, where daytime sea breezes tapped the moisture.

Rainfall on the Kona slopes will gradually taper off through midnight, while showers will be minimal elsewhere.

Expect a drier and slightly stronger trade wind flow to prevail on Sunday and Monday.

A surface high far north of the state will gradually build, leading to the uptick in trades, and mid-level ridging will hold firm, maintaining stable conditions.

Drier air will slowly move in on the trade wind flow, leading to minimal windward rainfall and mostly dry conditions leeward.

Exceptions will be on the Kona slopes of the Big Island, where clouds and showers will develop each afternoon, and leeward Kauai, which could see a couple of brief showers Sunday afternoon.

An increase in shower activity is due Monday night and Tuesday as another batch of moisture moves in on the trades.

This area will be deeper than the one that passed through today, which suggests that shower chances will be higher, especially for windward areas. Leeward slopes of the Big Island, and possibly Haleakala, will likely be active Tuesday afternoon, while leeward areas elsewhere will experience a few passing showers.

A mid-level trough will accompany the moisture, but generally stable conditions will remain aloft, minimizing chances for any heavy rainfall.

Drier conditions and stronger trade winds will develop Wednesday and Thursday as the mid-level trough moves away and the high to the north builds.

Expect minimal windward rainfall and dry conditions over most leeward areas.

This could lead to some fire weather concerns.