Update: Red Flag Warning for leeward areas of all islands due to gusty winds, low humidity

The National Weather Service in Honolulu has issued a Red Flag Warning for wind and low relative humidity, which is in effect from 10 a.m. Sunday to 6 p.m. HST Monday. This replaces the Fire Weather Watch that had been issued earlier.

The warning is in effect for leeward areas of all Hawaiian Islands, and central Oʻahu. On Kʻauai, this also includes south shore areas such as Kōloa, Poʻipū and Māhāʻulepū.

Relative humidity is forecast to reach its lowest during the afternoon hours.

Winds are forecast to be from the east at 15 to 30 mph, with gusts up to 50 mph. Winds are expected to reach their peak on Monday. Relative humidity will be as low as 40%.

A combination of strong winds, low relative humidity, and dry fuels will contribute to extreme fire behavior, according to the NWS. “Any fires that develop will likely spread rapidly. It is important to remember that a Red Flag Warning does not predict new fire starts,” according to the latest forecast update.

Outdoor burning is not recommended. The NWS advises that heat from vehicle exhaust systems can ignite dry grass. Park cars on areas that are paved or where vegetation is trimmed and cleared.

A Red Flag Warning means that critical fire weather conditions are either occurring now or will shortly.

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The National Weather Service has issued a Fire Weather Watch from Sunday morning through Monday afternoon for wind and low relative humidity for leeward areas of all islands and for Central Oʻahu.

Dry fuels combined with strong trade winds and lowering humidities could produce critical fire weather conditions during this period, according to the NWS.

The forecast calls for East winds blowing at 15-25 mph, and gusts up to 40 mph. Relative humidity is expected to drop to near 40% Sunday afternoon and Monday afternoon.

A Fire Weather Watch does not predict the potential for new fire starts.

Should a Red Flag warning be issued, outdoor burning is not recommended. It is recommended to delay activities that could throw off sparks until the wind dies down.

A Fire Weather Watch means that critical fire weather conditions are forecast to occur.