Vog lingering over Oahu could get heavier today before rain and strong northerly winds wash and blow it away.

The National Weather Service says a cold front will “sweep down the island chain from Tuesday and Wednesday, bringing a period of clouds and showers,” adding, “cool northerly winds will dramatically increase as the front passes.”

Forecasters issued a special weather statement advising residents that the gusts are likely to be stronger downwind of higher terrain. Residents are advised to secure loose outdoor objects before the winds increase Tuesday afternoon on Oahu and Kauai and by Wednesday on Hawaii island.

Northerly winds of 20 to 30 mph could gust to 50 mph, said John Bravender, a meteorologist with the Hono- lulu office of the National Weather Service.

Unlike previous winter weather systems, this cold front is expected to bring brief showers, some of which could be heavy ahead of the front and as the system passes.

Until the front arrives, however, vog and southerly winds are likely to linger on Oahu through this morning.

After the front passes, the winds will turn northerly, then northeasterly.

Temperatures will also drop into the low 60s at night and could feel cooler because of the strong winds and low humidity.

Tradewinds will gradually decrease through the weekend, but could remain breezy through next week.

The forecast for Honolulu and southern shores of Oahu calls for vog continuing through today with highs between 75 and 81 degrees. South winds are expected to shift to the west in the afternoon and the north this evening, with a 50 percent chance of rain.