Record-breaking cold weather is poised to continue into midweek as cool north wind and dry conditions over Oahu and Kauai lower overnight temperatures.
Tuesday’s low temperature of 58 degrees at Honolulu Airport broke the previous record for the date of 59 degrees, set in 1974. Lihue Airport’s low of 57 degrees tied the record, set in 1962.
Monday’s low of 61 degrees tied a record set in 1981 at Honolulu Airport.
Maureen Ballard, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Honolulu, said temperatures were on pace to tie or set records again Tuesday night.
The record for March 11 in Honolulu is 60 degrees, and Lihue Airport’s record is 58 degrees. "It’s going to be close," Ballard said.
Light north wind blowing cold air, a lack of clouds to retain the heat and a lack of moisture in the air are helping to keep temperatures unseasonably cool over the western end of the state.
Hawaii island and Maui are seeing some moisture move up from the south and are reporting lows in the 60s.
Hawaii island summits were expected to get more snow overnight.
A winter storm watch posted Tuesday night is slated to continue until Thursday afternoon for summits above 11,500 feet.
Forecasters say an additional 6 to 7 inches of snow could fall on the summits of Mauna Loa and Mauna Kea.
A high-wind warning is also in effect until 6 p.m. Thursday as west wind of 50 to 60 mph, with gusts over 80 mph, is expected.
Tuesday night temperatures in Honolulu were expected to drop to between 56 and 63 degrees. Some isolated showers might blow over Oahu’s south shores Wednesday and Wednesday night.
Tradewinds should begin to return over the weekend, and temperatures will gradually rise. Forecasters expect more normal springlike weather and temperatures by early next week.
