Surf on Hawaii’s north shores rising today, winds to ramp up this weekend
Surf will rise on Hawaii’s north shores this afternoon as a new north-northwest swell fills in today, but should remain below advisory levels, forecasters said, as moderate to breezy trades prevail through tonight.
The National Weather Service said the winds are expected to pick up even more Friday through this weekend as high pressure builds to the north.
Today’s forecast for most isles is partly cloudy with scattered, windward showers and highs from 83 to 88 degrees Fahrenheit. The clouds are expected to continue tonight, with lows from 70 to 75.
Trades at 10 to 20 mph today are expected to begin ramping up to 15 to 30 mph tonight, and become windy over the weekend.
On Hawaii island, a few heavy showers and possibly a thunderstorm or to are expected for the leeward side this afternoon.
Due to the new swell today, surf for west facing shores at 5 to 7 feet this morning peaks to 6 to 8 feet this afternoon into evening, then lowers back down to 3 to 5 feet Friday.
Surf on south and east facing shores remains low, at 1 to 3 feet for south-facing shores, and 2 to 4 feet for east-facing shores, respectively, from today through Friday.
The state Health Department has issued a brown water advisory for West Maui waters due to heavy rain resulting in stormwater runoff entering coastal waters.
A small craft advisory has been issued for Maalaea Bay, Pailolo Channel, Alenuihaha Channel, and leeward and southeast Big Island waters due to the east winds and rough seas, effective through 6 p.m. Sunday.
Coastal flooding is also expected to continue due to the combination of higher than predicted ocean water levels and high tides, particularly through the early morning hours.
Impacts include minor coastal erosion, flooding of beaches that are normally dry, and saltwater inundation of low-lying roads, docks, boat ramps and other infrastructure.
Water levels will steadily lower each day through this weekend.