A high surf advisory is in effect for north-facing shores of the island chain stretching from Niihau to Hawaii island until 6 p.m. today.

The National Weather Service says a north swell is peaking this morning, which will result in advisory-level surf of 10 to 15 feet through this afternoon along the north-facing shores of all islands.

In addition to strong breaking waves, there will be shore break and strong longshore and rip currents, making swimming difficult and dangerous. Beachgoers, swimmers and surfers should heed all advice given by ocean safety officials and exercise caution.

Meanwhile, a cold front will approach the islands from the northwest today, and southerly winds will build steadily, along with an increase in showers, mainly over the western end of the island chain. The front is expected to reach Kauai tonight, then stall near Oahu on Wednesday, bringing potentially wet and unstable conditions through the weekend.

Increasing wind speeds are also expected for Hawaii island summits this morning, with advisory-level winds expected through Wednesday night. A wind advisory is in effect until 6 p.m. today.

Motorists on Hawaii island summits are advised to secure loose objects that may become airborne, and to keep an eye out for updates to a high wind watch, which is also in effect from this evening through Wednesday afternoon.