84
TERRY REIS/ SPECIAL TO THE STAR-ADVERTISER
A funnel cloud was spotted over Kunia at 4:20 p.m. today. Forecasters said normal tradewind weather is supposed to return Wednesday.
CRAIG T. KOJIMA/CKOJIMA@STARADVERTISER.COM
Thick rain clouds could be seen over highrise buildings in Honolulu today.
KRYSTLE MARCELLUS / KMARCELLUS@STARADVERTISER.COM
Storm clouds darkened the sky above Pier 38 in Honolulu today.
COURTESY DEPARTMENT OF EMERGENCY SERVICES
This photo from Pokai Bay, posted on the city's Emergency Services website, shows heavy rain off shore of the Leeward Coast this afternoon.
The unsettled weather pattern that brought thundershowers, hail, and even funnel clouds to the islands over the last three days appears to be weakening, but the chance of afternoon showers remains for Wednesday and Thursday, forecasters say.
A National Weather Service flash flood watch for the state expired about 5:45 p.m. Tuesday, and a flood advisory for Lanai was also lifted, leaving no weather warnings for the islands for the first time since the weekend.
But for the third straight day, isolated afternoon downpours were reported on several islands today. On Oahu, a funnel cloud was spotted over Kunia at 4:20 p.m.
On Sunday, Monday and today, the weather service warned that conditions were favorable for the development of possible funnel clouds over Oahu through 4 p.m.
An unstable air mass, light winds and daytime heating combined to make conditions right for afternoon thunderstorms, forecasters said.
The forecast for the rest of the week, according to the weather service, calls for weak tradewinds Wednesday and Thursday. “Pop-up showers, some briefly heavy, along with increased cloud cover will occur each afternoon as sea breezes kick in, while thunderstorm chances will be borderline,” forecasters said.
They warn that there is a chance that the state may see a return of more unsettled weather by Friday and into the weekend.
On Monday, heavy rain over central and southwest Oahu started just before noon, with rain rates as high as 3 inches an hour. Lifeguards reported a water spout off Tracks beach in Nanakuli at about 12:40 p.m.; The weather service said quarter-inch hail was reported in Mililani, and flooded roads were reported throughout Central and Leeward Oahu.
