Stronger winds linger in the forecast

HONOLULU (KHON2) – High pressure system far north of the state will continue to drive trade winds to the region for much of the week.

A trough south of the high has been hampering some of the stronger trades from reaching the islands, but that trough is expected to weaken and move to the west over the next couple of days.

This will result in an uptick in our winds.

Over the next 24 hours or so, a relatively dry and stable airmass will remain over the islands, with modest trade wind showers mainly impacting the windward sides of the islands.

Some afternoon clouds and showers are expected over the Kona slopes of the Big Island.

About 500 miles east of the islands is the leading edge of the next batch of moisture that is expected to bring increased shower activity to the islands Monday night and Tuesday.

The surface trough associated with this moisture is about 750 miles east of the islands this afternoon.

This area is moving to the east around 12 to 15 mph, so is still on track to reach parts of the islands Monday night.

Portions of Maui County and the Big Island are expected to see an uptick in showers early Monday night, with showers spreading towards Oahu and Kauai by Tuesday morning.

Windward sides of the islands are expected to see the highest rainfall totals, but leeward areas could see some showers.

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.