Weather

Weekend Weather: Gusty Winds and Widespread Light Rain

December 13, 2014, 7:00 AM HST
* Updated December 13, 3:53 PM

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Haleakalā file photo / Image: Malika Dudley

By Meteorologist Malika Dudley / Email: [email protected]

Alerts

The National Weather Service has issued a Wind Advisory in effect from noon today through Sunday at 6 p.m. Northeast winds from 20 to 40 mph with gusts up to 50 mph are expected. The strongest winds in Maui County are expected in the lee of mauka areas, across much of Lānaʻi and through the Central Valley from Wailuku to Maʻalaea harbor. Winds this strong can bring down tree branches and make driving difficult.
The National Weather Service has issued a High Surf Warning posted through 6 p.m. Sunday for the north and west shores of Moloka’i and the north shore of Maui. This warning replaces the advisory that was previously in place. Expect ocean water occasionally sweeping across portions of beaches, very strong breaking waves and strong longshore and rip currents. Breaking waves may occasionally impact harbors making navigating the harbor channel difficult. Large breaking surf, significant shore break and dangerous currents will make entering the water very hazardous. Boaters should be aware of an increased number of surfers in the water.
A Small Craft Advisory has been issued by the National Weather Service from 6 a.m. Saturday through 6 p.m. Monday for all Maui County waters and channels. Rough seas of 11 to 20 feet are forecasted along with winds of 25 to 35 knots or more. Inexperienced mariners should avoid navigating in these conditions.
The National Weather Service has issued a Gale Warning for Maʻalaea Bay and the Pailolo and ʻAlenuihāhā channels. The warning is in effect through Monday at 6 p.m. Beginning this morning, east winds of 30 to 35 knots are expected with higher gusts. Rough seas of 13 to 21 feet are also forecasted. The largest waves are expected to begin tonight after midnight. A Gale Warning means that these winds are imminent or occurring. Operating a vessel in gale conditions requires proper experience and equipment. Mariners without these things should remain in port until gale conditions end.

**Click directly on the images below to make them larger. Charts include: Maui County high/low forecasted temperatures, projected winds, chance of cloud cover, projected localized weather conditions and expected wave heights.**

SWIPE LEFT OR RIGHT

Today, Saturday December 13, 2014

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Today we expect scattered windward and mauka showers. Leeward spots are forecasted to get isolated showers with the possibility of afternoon scattered showers. Winds will be gusty out of the northeast from 15 to 20 mph and increasing to 20 to 35 mph with gusts up to 55 mph in the afternoon. High temperatures should fall in the range of 80° to 85° and around 72° at 5000 feet.

Sunrise: 6:54 a.m.

Sunset: 5:46 p.m.

UV index at 6 (“high” exposure level)

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Tonight

Partly cloudy skies are forecasted to start, then mostly cloudy with scattered showers. Frequent showers are expected after midnight for windward and mauka areas. Winds are expected out of the northeast from 20 – 35 mph, gusting to 55 mph. Low temperatures from 67° to 73° degrees in Maui County and about 49° at 5000 feet.

Moonset: 12:02 p.m.

Moonrise: 12:16 a.m. on Dec 14

Next New Moon: Dec. 21 at 3:36 p.m.

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Next Full Moon: Jan. 4 at 6:54 p.m.

The Geminid Meteor shower is currently active. Peak nights are Dec. 12-13 and 13-14. Details on timing and viewing tips can be found HERE.

Almanac for Kahului Airport

Maximum Temperature for today:

Normal 82°

Record 90° / Set in 1991

Minimum Temperature for today:

Normal 65°

Record 55° / Set in 1972

Sunday December 14, 2014

We expect cloudy skies and windy conditions on Sunday. Frequent windward and mauka showers are forecasted through the day with scattered showers at night. Leeward spots should get scattered showers during the day and isolated showers at night. Lots of high clouds expected. Winds are out of the northeast from 20 to 35 mph with gusts up to 55 mph expected. High temperatures should fall in the range of 80° to 85° and around 71° at 5000 feet.

Sunrise: 6:54 a.m.

Sunset: 5:47 p.m.

UV index at 6 (“high” exposure level)

Looking Ahead

This weekend is mainly going to be a wind event although we are also expecting widespread light rain. Gale conditions and wind advisories are likely this weekend. Winds will increase especially where winds funnel, go downslope on the leeward sides and over coastal waters and channels. On Tuesday wind speeds are expected to ease and the weather is forecasted to get back to normal trade wind conditions. The next cold front should pass north of the state with little effect around midweek, then a new weaker high passing to our north should maintain moderate to locally breezy trades through next Friday.

**Click here for your detailed Maui County surf report.**