Increase in showers expected as hurricane remnants approach Hawaii

Forecasters expect a higher chance of rain, cloudy skies, lighter winds and a slight increase in humidity this weekend as two weather systems approach the state from different directions.

Remnants of former Hurricane Orlene, about 350 miles east of the state, are expected to begin moving over Hawaii as early as tonight as another weather system approaches from the northeast.

“Lighter winds and showery weather will continue through the weekend,” forecasters said.

“It will be somewhat more humid,” said Pete Donaldson, a meteorologist with the Honolulu office of the National Weather Service.

But the humidity might be tempered somewhat because cloudy skies could keep temperatures from getting too hot and cooling tradewinds, while lighter than the past few days, will still be blowing.

The atmosphere will be unstable, which could bring a few heavy showers. But forecasters do not expect widespread heavy rain.

In Honolulu and south shores of Oahu, forecasters expect a 20 to 50 percent chance of rain through Tuesday night, with the highest rain chances at night, especially Friday night.

The state forecast for Oahu, Maui County and Kauai calls for partly cloudy skies tonight with scattered to isolated showers and lows between 71 to 76 degrees. Mostly cloudy skies with numerous showers after midnight are expected on Hawaii island through Thursday night.

On the other islands, Thursday should be mostly sunny with scattered to isolated showers. The chance of rain increases Thursday night, especially after midnight. Tradewinds will be around 15 mph.