Numerous windward showers through early Wednesday, some briefly heavy

HONOLULU (KHON2) — A high-pressure center sits well north of the main Hawaiian Islands, while a surface low to its south is generating the local trade winds, which are not as strong as usual under such a strong high. West of the islands, mid- and upper-level low is enhancing showers, primarily north and west of Kauai, and spreading thin high clouds over the western part of the state. Overall, stable weather conditions have kept showers and cloud cover minimal over the islands today.

A band of higher moisture is approaching the islands from the east. This band moving towards the eastern end of the state this evening. As it advances on the trades, it will enhance windward rainfall chances tonight through Tuesday. Additionally, expect increased activity on the leeward slopes of the Big Island and possibly Haleakala on Maui Tuesday afternoon. Leeward areas elsewhere may experience a few passing showers due to mountain effects but will generally remain dry.

Drier conditions and stronger trade winds will prevail later Wednesday and Thursday as the surface low moves away and the high-pressure system to the north strengthens. This will lead to minimal rainfall on windward sides and dry weather over most leeward areas during the latter half of the week, with trades gradually easing by the weekend.