High surf advisory, flash flood watch in effect for western isles as cold front approaches

The possibility of rain remains high through tonight, forecasters said, as a cold front approaches and stalls on the western end of the Hawaiian islands, mostly for Kauai County and Oahu.

By Thanksgiving Day on Thursday, a drying trend, along with a more typical tradewind pattern is expected to return.

The National Weather Service has extended a high surf advisory for the north and west facing shores of Niihau, Kauai and Oahu due to a northwest swell, effective through 6 p.m. today.

Surf along affected coastlines is expected to reach up to 15 to 20 feet.

Officials warn of strong, breaking waves and rip currents, making swimming difficult and dangerous. Beachgoers, swimmers and surfers should exercise caution and heed all advice given by ocean safety officials. When in doubt, do not go out.

A flash flood watch that had been been issued for Niihau and Kauai was canceled this afternoon.

Officials have warned that coastal flooding is also possible this week along all Hawaiian shores due to unusually high water levels, with the greatest potential during early morning hours through Friday.

More specific information about forecast tides and water levels by area is available at tidesandcurrents.noaa.gov.

Today is expected to be partly to mostly cloudy for most isles, with scattered showers and a slight chance of thunderstorms for Kauai. Highs range from 84 to 89 degrees Fahrenheit, with southeast to south winds of 10 to 20 miles per hour. Tonight’s lows are from 70 to 75 degrees.

The forecast for Thanksgiving Day includes partly cloudy conditions, scattered windward showers and highs from 82 to 87 degrees.

By the weekend, the trades are expected to become breezy statewide, with drier conditions expected on Sunday.

More records, meanwhile, continue to be set as the month of November wraps up. A record high of 92 degrees was hit on Tuesday set a Kahului, surpassing the previous record of 90 set in 1968.