Breezes could give way to Madeline next week

Robust tradewinds will continue through early next week as high pressure persists north of the islands, the National Weather Serv-ice said Friday.

Far to the east, meanwhile, Tropical Storm Madeline was packing 40-mph winds and could bring wet weather to the islands by the middle of next week, the weather service said.

At 5 p.m. Friday, Madeline was 1,235 miles east-southeast of Hilo and traveling west-northwest at 12 mph.

It was expected to continue in that direction but slow down in the days ahead.

It could become a hurricane Monday.

Forecasters caution the margin of error in computer models for storms more than five days away is 170 miles in either direction. So the storm could still pass well south or north of the islands without much effect on Hawaii’s weather.

If it continues on its current track, it will bring another round of high humidity starting as early as Wednesday and could bring heavy rain and wind through the Labor Day weekend, potentially affecting events at the World Conservation Congress.

Bob Burke, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service, said people should be aware of the approaching storm and monitor weather forecasts but that it’s too early to predict its impact on Hawaii. People should also have storm supplies and an emergency plan, whether or not the storm hits the state.

“Be prepared,” Burke said.

Behind Madeline, Hurricane Lester had maximum sustained winds of 75 mph. At 5 p.m. Hawaii time, it was about 55 miles southwest of Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, and moving west at 9 mph.

Passing low clouds and brief showers will favor windward and mauka areas during nights and mornings this weekend, but an increase in tradewind showers is expected into Monday, the weather serv-ice said.