Record-breaking heat in Hilo
Despite the approach of Hurricane Iselle, the scene was serene Wednesday at Honolii Beach north of Hilo, where a woman relaxed with a view of the surf. The storm is expected to bring potentially dangerous surf to the islands Thursday. Waves of 8 to 15 feet are expected on east shores of Oahu. Wave heights are expected to increase rapidly, peaking early Friday, forecasters said. The added effect of a 2-foot afternoon high tide increases the potential for coastal flooding in low-lying areas.
HILO >> The first eight days of July included four days of record-high temperatures for East Hawaii.
The Hawaii Tribune-Herald reports that the National Weather Service says Hilo International Airport measured the record highs starting Friday. The 87-degree high matched the previous 1974 record for July 3.
Hilo reached 88 degrees for the Fourth of July, breaking the previous record by one degree. Temperatures continued to tie records on Sunday and Tuesday.
National Weather Service forecaster Pete McDonald says there can be a relatively high degree of error in the measurements. And Hawaii’s temperatures vary so little that even a slight change can set a record.
But McDonald notes that Hawaii is clearly getting some warm weather, a trend likely influenced by El Nino. Tropical Storm Ela may also raise humidity levels.
