A high-surf advisory has been issued for the north- and west-facing shores of the isles stretching from Niihau to Maui, in effect through 6 p.m. Saturday, weather officials said.

An incoming northwest swell is expected to bring advisory-level surf to exposed north- and west-facing shores, the National Weather Service said. Surf is expected to reach 10 to 15 feet late this afternoon for isles from Niihau to Maui, rising to 18 to 24 feet by this morning.

Surf was expected to reach 6 to 10 feet along west-facing shores of Oahu and Molokai late Thursday and rise to 12 to 18 feet by this morning.

Expect strong, breaking waves, shore break and strong rip currents, making swimming difficult and dangerous. Beachgoers, swimmers and surfers should exercise caution and heed all advice given by Ocean Safety officials.

A cold front, meanwhile, is approaching from the northwest, forecasters said, and will keep winds light today. Increasing humidity ahead of the front is expected to bring afternoon clouds and showers, along with a chance of thunderstorms for some spots.

The front was expected to approach Kauai late Thursday night and stall near Oahu today, bringing a few showers and thundershowers. The breezy trades, however, are expected to return this weekend, the last one for the year. Nice weather is expected for New Year’s Eve and beyond.