February 2006
Monthly Archive
Posted by Glenn
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February 28-March 1Â 2006
Air Temperatures — The following maximum temperatures were recorded across Hawaii Tuesday:
Lihue, Kauai – 76F
Honolulu, Oahu – 78
Kaneohe, Oahu – 76
Kahului, Maui – 82
Hilo, Hawaii – 71
Kailua-Kona, Hawaii – 82
Temperatures early Wednesday morning ranged between these warmest and coolest spots near sea level at the 4 a.m. hour:
Lihue, Kauai – 73
Kahului airport – 66
Precipitation Totals — The following numbers represent the largest precipitation totals during the last 24 hours (as of Wednesday morning) on each of the major islands, including:
6.27 MOUNT WAIALEALE, KAUAI
1.14 NUUANU UPPER, OAHU
0.00 MOLOKAI
0.00 LANAI
0.00 KAHOOLAWE
0.16Â KAUPO GAP, MAUI
1.27 GLENWOOD, BIG ISLAND
Weather Chart — Here’s the latest (automatically updated) weather map…showing a high pressure system far NNW of the islands. This high has an elongated ridge running from its center SE to a location well offshore to the east and NE of the islands. At the same time we have a pair of lows, one far to the NE, and another far to the WNW, with light to moderate and locally gusty winds from the SE…with island blocking happening downstream from the Big Island and Maui in places. Here’s a Weather Map Symbol page for clarification about what all those funny weather symbols mean.
Hawaii’s Mountains — Here’s a link to the live webcam on the summit of near 14,000 foot Mauna Kea on the Big Island of Hawaii. The tallest peak on the island of Maui is the Haleakala Crater, which is near 10,000 feet in elevation. These two webcams are only available during the daylight hours here in the islands…that is unless there’s a big moon rising just after sunset for an hour or two!
Satellite Images — To view the cloud conditions we have here in Hawaii, please use the following satellite links, starting off with the Infrared Satellite Imageof the islands to see all the clouds around the state. This next satellite image is one that gives close images of the islands only during the daytime hours, and is referred to as a Close-up visible satellite image. The next satellite image shows a larger view of the Pacific…giving perspective to the wider ranging cloud patterns in the Pacific Ocean…out from the islands. To help you keep track of where any showers may be around the islands, here’s the latest animated radar image.
Aloha Paragraphs
Big Island coastal view
The threat of showers remains intact over the Hawaiian Islands now. However, rather than a widespread rain event, it will likely arrive in a more hit and miss fashion. This doesn’t mean though that there might not be some locally heavy showers. We’ll see variably cloudy skies, and with the winds now having become SE, there will be relatively warm air temperatures. This SE wind flow will bring lots of rich tropical moisture into the state, which will act to feed whatever showers that are around.
At the same time, SE winds often carry a considerable amount of volcanic haze up over the islands, from the Big Island vent. Thus, it’s liable to be rather hazy, with often the most dense portion over Maui County. These SE winds will be locally quite strong and gusty, especially where they impact the coasts and slopes most directly. There is a small craft advisory in force at the moment in response to these potentially gusty breezes. Downwind from the Big Island and Maui will find island blocking of the winds, with possibly lighter wind speeds occurring.
The computer forecast models haven’t been able to make up their minds very well lately. They have been spewing out direct forecast solutions almost on a daily basis, and aren’t in good agreement within the model ensembles either. As a result, there remains some degree of uncertainty around exactly how this week’s weather will unfold. With that said, it appears likely that there will be showers around, some of which could be locally heavy here and there. The SE sides of each of the islands should be where the most showers end up through about Thursday.
As we move into Friday, the SE winds are expected to turn back towards the trade wind direction. This should mark the beginning of an improving weather cycle. The windward sides may still find some passing showers though, which is typical for a trade wind weather pattern. The leeward sides in contrast, will then start to see less cloudiness, and return to their mostly dry status. I don’t see any cool weather on the horizon, with generally warm and somewhat muggy weather prevailing for the time being. The trade winds will bring back better visibilities, cleaning the atmosphere with its refreshing breezes.
It’s early Tuesday evening here in Kula, Maui. It was a variably cloudy day here on Maui, although mostly dry from what I could see. During my lunch break in Kihei I made it to the beach. I must admit, after yesterday’s shark attack at Makena Beach, I was paying close attention to my surroundings when I took my swim…and was bodysurfing a few waves. You may already know about this, but during the last week, there have been two incidents involving sharks along the south coast near Makena. Monday’s attack took place in knee deep water at Big Beach, when a young girl received a 15 inch gash on her leg. At any rate, fortunately the water was very clear today, and I could keep an eye out for anything large that might have been lurking nearby. I’m always aware of sharks whenever I go in the ocean, although after living here in the islands for the last 30+ years, I’ve never seen one! I hope it stays that way, and for you too. I’m about to go eat dinner with my neighbors now, so I really must end this sunset commentary. I hope you have a lovely Tuesday night, and that you will meet me here again Wednesday at some point. Aloha for now…Glenn.
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February 27-28 2006
Air Temperatures — The following maximum temperatures were recorded across Hawaii Monday:
Lihue, Kauai – 74F
Honolulu, Oahu – 76
Kaneohe, Oahu – 73
Kahului, Maui – 77
Hilo, Hawaii – 76
Kailua-Kona, Hawaii – 83
Temperatures early Tuesday morning ranged between these warmest and coolest spots near sea level at the 4 a.m. hour:
Kailua-kona – 75
Hilo airport – 64
Precipitation Totals — The following numbers represent the largest precipitation totals during the last 24 hours (as of Tuesday morning) on each of the major islands, including:
6.20 MOUNT WAIALEALE, KAUAI
0.74 POAMOHO 2, OAHU
0.02 MOLOKAI
0.01 LANAI
0.00 KAHOOLAWE
2.98Â WEST WAILUAIKI, MAUI
3.21 GLENWOOD, BIG ISLAND
Weather Chart — Here’s the latest (automatically updated) weather map…showing a high pressure system far NNW of the islands. This high has an elongated ridge running from its center SE to a location well offshore to the east and NE of the islands. At the same time we have a pair of lows, one far to the NE, and another far to the NW, with light to moderate and locally gusty winds from the SE…with island blocking happening downstream from the Big Island and Maui. Here’s a Weather Map Symbol page for clarification about what all those funny weather symbols mean.
Hawaii’s Mountains — Here’s a link to the live webcam on the summit of near 14,000 foot Mauna Kea on the Big Island of Hawaii. The tallest peak on the island of Maui is the Haleakala Crater, which is near 10,000 feet in elevation. These two webcams are only available during the daylight hours here in the islands…that is unless there’s a big moon rising just after sunset for an hour or two!
Satellite Images — To view the cloud conditions we have here in Hawaii, please use the following satellite links, starting off with the Infrared Satellite Imageof the islands to see all the clouds around the state. This next satellite image is one that gives close images of the islands only during the daytime hours, and is referred to as a Close-up visible satellite image. The next satellite image shows a larger view of the Pacific…giving perspective to the wider ranging cloud patterns in the Pacific Ocean…out from the islands. To help you keep track of where any showers may be around the islands, here’s the latest animated radar image.
Aloha Paragraphs
Riding waves Hawaiian style
The Hawaiian Islands just came through a much cloudier than usual weekend. A large majority of those clouds consisted of the high and middle level varieties. Although, there were enough lower level clouds, that there were numerous showers falling around in places too. The spread of precipitation types ranged between light sprinkles, all the way across the precipitation sprectrum to locally heavy rain in some areas. The largest total I saw was the generous 6.60 inch amount at Mount Waialaelae on Kauai.
It appears that Monday will have much less cloudiness, and drier conditions too. However, as the computer forecast models have been pointing out for the last week, there is a definite threat of wetter weather on our horizon. A rather deep low pressure system to the NW of the state, has lots of showers associated with it. As we move into the Tuesday through Thursday time frame, we may very well see this moisture edging over our islands, with locally heavy rains the result…with the island of Kauai, nearest the low pressure system, having the greatest threat of wet weather.
We will see increasing clouds and showers later Tuesday and Wednesday, again with the heaviest amounts likely on the Kauai end of the island chain. Monday’s satellite images show tons of clouds and showers poised to the west through NW of the islands. This area of deep moisture should migrate eastward, bringing a period of locally heavy showers, with even the chance of thunderstorms to our area. As the threat of this moisture increases soon, we’ll be dealing with the prospect of localized flooding over the western islands.
We should start to prepare for another bout of winter weather. Fortunately, it won’t last forever, with some clearing expected as we move into Thursday or Friday. The winds will be from the SE or south Tuesday through Thursday, with trade winds returning Friday into the coming weekend. Thursday or Friday will likely be a transition day, with gradually improving weather starting this weekend. It’s difficult to give this pending wet weather a positive spin, after the cloudy and showery weather we’ve seen over the last couple of weeks!
Despite the clouds and showers, I ended up having a great weekend anyway. Friday night after work I started the weekend by seeing a great snowboarding film called First Descent. Then Saturday morning I went surfing at one of my favorite surfing spots on the Lahaina side, called 1000 peaks. Sunday it was back over to the west side, for a kayaking adventure with the numerous whales that are around now. I’m feeling rather tired from all the physical exercise, although uplifted from those two fun excursions in the ocean.
It’s early Monday evening here in Kula, Maui. There was actually some sunny periods today, well, partially sunny. The winds are starting to swing around to the SE today, which is bringing volcanic haze up over Maui from the Big Island. This evening there are lots of clouds around, multi-level cloudiness is how I would describe it. I just read a great book, called Isaac’s Storm, by Erik Larson. It’s was quite a page turner, especially during the second half of the book, when the big hurricane hit Galveston, Texas back in 1900. The cover of the book says: A man, a time, and the Deadliest Hurricane in History. If you like books like this, it may be a book to read. The beach at lunch today was fine, that is except for the gusty trade winds that caused lots of foamy whitecaps, and chased folks off the beach in places this afternoon. The strongest wind gust I saw was the 48 mph at Maalaea Bay! My body loosened up today, after my ocean swim, considering all the surfboard and kayak paddling I did this past weekend. I hope you have a great Monday night, along with an invitation to meet me here again early Tuesday morning for the next completely updated weather narrative, jam packed with the latest weather news about this pending wet weather coming our way soon. Aloha for now…Glenn.
Posted by Glenn
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February 26-27 2006
Air Temperatures — The following maximum temperatures were recorded across Hawaii Sunday:
Lihue, Kauai – 76F
Honolulu, Oahu – 77
Kaneohe, Oahu – 74
Kahului, Maui – 78
Hilo, Hawaii – 73
Kailua-Kona, Hawaii – 82
Temperatures early Monday morning ranged between these warmest and coolest spots near sea level at the 5 a.m. hour:
Lihue, Kauai – 71
Molokai airport – 68
Precipitation Totals — The following numbers represent the largest precipitation totals during the last 24 hours (as of Monday morning) on each of the major islands, including:
6.60 MOUNT WAIALEALE, KAUAI
2.29 NUUANU UPPER, OAHU
0.27 MOLOKAI
0.01 LANAI
0.05 KAHOOLAWE
3.88Â WEST WAILUAIKI, MAUI
1.44 HAKALAU, BIG ISLAND
Weather Chart — Here’s the latest (automatically updated) weather map…showing a strong high pressure system far NNW of the islands. This high has an elongated ridge running from its center SE to just east and NE of the islands. At the same time we have a pair of lows, one far to the NE, and another to the NW, with light-moderate winds from the ridge squeezing through the lows. Here’s a Weather Map Symbol page for clarification about what all those funny weather symbols mean.
Hawaii’s Mountains — Here’s a link to the live webcam on the summit of near 14,000 foot Mauna Kea on the Big Island of Hawaii. The tallest peak on the island of Maui is the Haleakala Crater, which is near 10,000 feet in elevation. These two webcams are only available during the daylight hours here in the islands…that is unless there’s a big moon rising just after sunset for an hour or two!
Satellite Images — To view the cloud conditions we have here in Hawaii, please use the following satellite links, starting off with the Infrared Satellite Imageof the islands to see all the clouds around the state. This next satellite image is one that gives close images of the islands only during the daytime hours, and is referred to as a Close-up visible satellite image. The next satellite image shows a larger view of the Pacific…giving perspective to the wider ranging cloud patterns in the Pacific Ocean…out from the islands. To help you keep track of where any showers may be around the islands, here’s the latest radar image.
Aloha Paragraphs
Humpback whale breaching
The Hawaiian Islands will see increasing high cirrus clouds Sunday into the new week ahead. The latest weather maps show the islands still positioned between low pressure centers to our NE and NW. At the same time, we find a strong high pressure system located far to the NW of Hawaii. This pressure configuration will provide mostly light trade winds for the time being, before turning SE with time in a couple of days.
We’ll see variably cloudy weather, with a few passing showers along our windward coasts and slopes. The leeward sides could see a few showery clouds too, although nothing too exagerrated yet. Those south and west facing coasts will continue to see fairly nice weather conditions, albeit it getting cloudier this weekend into the new week ahead. The warmest beaches in those areas will see air temperatures rising into the lower 80F’s…which isn’t too bad for winter!
The computer forecast models show gradually cloudier skies developing into the future. As we move into the new week ahead, things begin to look more unsettled. They suggest that a rather prolonged, and at times widespread rainy period will start by Tuesday, continuing off and on for several days thereafter…accompanied by gusty SE or south Kona winds. The most likely time for the heaviest showers would be in the later Tuesday into Wednesday or Thursday time frame.
The current weather outlook is a complex one. It certainly doesn’t help much that the computer forecast models have had a loose grasp of what’s happening, and have been changing their tune on a regular basis lately! At any rate, it still looks like next week will be cloudier than usual, with wetter than normal conditions at times too. The winds will be blowing from an unusual SE direction, which could bring gusty winds and some volcanic haze to the islands as well. I should say that the new week won’t be a total wash, as whatever showers that fall will likely be hit and miss, and off and on in character. Â
It’s early Sunday evening here in Kula, Maui. Let me start off by saying that it was a cloudy day here in the islands. As a matter of fact, at the moment, it’s totally foggy and drizzling. It was a great day, starting off with a kayaking trip over to the Olowalu area of west Maui. I went with my regular kayaking partner, and we met a friend there. The three of us paddled out, way out there actually. We sat out in what we thought was going to be the path of humpback whales. We did see a few, although not as close up as we had hoped. The main event however was the gusty winds that came blowing out of the Olowalu Valley, which is an extention of the Iao Valley. The wind got strong enough that it slightly freaked me out, with white caps, and lots of hard paddling in towards shore. It took I’d say a good hour to make it to shore, and with a good amount of relief I might add! We met another couple of people on the beach, and we ended up having a little shared picnic for a while. I went to Paia for some shopping after that, then went by to see a friend in Haiku, who wasn’t home, and then finally back here to Kula. My muscles, after surfing yesterday, and then all that paddling today, are letting me know they’ve been doing something. I have enjoyed sipping on some Pinot Noir late this afternoon, along with reading and talking on the phone to friends on the mainland. I’ll go down soon and cook some dinner, then go to bed early tonight, try and recouperate some of my energy before the full-on work week starts at 4am Monday morning. I hope you have a great Sunday night! Aloha for now…Glenn.
Posted by Glenn
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February 25-26 2006
Air Temperatures — The following maximum temperatures were recorded across Hawaii Saturday:
Lihue, Kauai – 77F
Honolulu, Oahu – 79
Kaneohe, Oahu – 77
Kahului, Maui – 81
Hilo, Hawaii – 77
Kailua-Kona, Hawaii – 82
Temperatures early Sunday morning ranged between these warmest and coolest spots near sea level at the 5 a.m. hour:
Kailua-kona – 74
Hilo airport – 68
Precipitation Totals — The following numbers represent the largest precipitation totals during the last 24 hours (as of Sunday morning) on each of the major islands, including:
0.23 MOUNT WAIALEALE, KAUAI
0.01 KAMEHAME, OAHU
0.00 MOLOKAI
0.00 LANAI
0.00 KAHOOLAWE
0.00Â MAUI
0.02 GLENWOOD, BIG ISLAND
Weather Chart — Here’s the latest (automatically updated) weather map…showing a strong high pressure system far NNW of the islands. This high has an elongated ridge running from its center SE to near the islands. At the same time we have a pair of lows, one far to the NE, and another to the NW, with light east winds from the ridge squeezing through the lows. This will give us mostly light trade wind breezes, possibly stronger this evening into Monday. Here’s a Weather Map Symbol page for clarification about what all those funny weather symbols mean.
Hawaii’s Mountains — Here’s a link to the live webcam on the summit of near 14,000 foot Mauna Kea on the Big Island of Hawaii. The tallest peak on the island of Maui is the Haleakala Crater, which is near 10,000 feet in elevation. These two webcams are only available during the daylight hours here in the islands…that is unless there’s a big moon rising just after sunset for an hour or two!
Satellite Images — To view the cloud conditions we have here in Hawaii, please use the following satellite links, starting off with the Infrared Satellite Imageof the islands to see all the clouds around the state. This next satellite image is one that gives close images of the islands only during the daytime hours, and is referred to as a Close-up visible satellite image. The next satellite image shows a larger view of the Pacific…giving perspective to the wider ranging cloud patterns in the Pacific Ocean…out from the islands. To help you keep track of where any showers may be around the islands, here’s the latest radar image.
Aloha Paragraphs
Hula dancing on the beach
Photo: Randy Jay Braun
The Hawaiian Islands will see increasing high cirrus clouds this weekend into next week. The latest weather maps show the islands still positioned between low pressure centers to our east and west. At the same time, we find a strong high pressure system located far to the NW of Hawaii. This pressure configuration will provide mostly light NE winds, gradually becoming easterly Saturday…then stronger from the SE as we move forward into the new week coming up.
We’ll see variably cloudy weather, with a few passing showers along our windward coasts and slopes. The leeward sides will see much less showery clouds, with many areas remaining dry for the time being. As a matter of fact, those south and west facing coasts will continue to see fairly nice weather conditions, albeit it getting cloudier this weekend into the new week ahead. The warmest beaches in those areas will see air temperatures rising into the middle 80F’s…which isn’t too bad for winter!
The computer forecast models show gradually cloudier skies developing into the future. As we move into the new week ahead, things begin to look more unsettled. They suggest that a rather prolonged, and at times widespread rainy period will start by Tuesday, continuing off and on for several days thereafter…accompanied by gusty SE winds. The most likely time for the heaviest showers would be in the later Tuesday into Wednesday or Thursday time frame.
The current weather outlook is a complex one. It certainly doesn’t help much that the computer forecast models have had a loose grasp of what’s happening, and have been changing their tune on a regular basis lately! At any rate, it still looks like next week will be cloudier than usual, with wetter than normal conditions at times too. The winds will be blowing from an unusual SE direction, which could bring gusty winds and some volcanic haze to the islands as well. I should say that next week won’t be a total wash, as whatever showers that fall will likely be hit and miss, and off and on in character. Â
It’s early Saturday evening here in Kula, Maui. Weatherwise, it has gotten progressively cloudier as we’ve moved through the day…although dry. Today’s high point, at least thus far, has been the surfing I got to do this morning. It was soooo good to ride waves again on my surfboard! I typically bodysurf in Kihei during my lunch break, however a trip over to the west side was a pleasant change of scenery. I surfed a spot called 1000 peaks, which is my favorite place to ride waves on Maui. I met many nice people at the beach today, folks saying that they liked my TV weather show and this website too. One couple from Long Island NY, was particularly fun to talk to out in the water. They mentioned that they had contributed to last years donation drive…so I was giving them their choice of waves.
  Sunday morning I have a kayak trip to the west side planned with my old kayaking friend from Haiku. We’re going to paddle out to where the whales may be playing. I hope you have a great Saturday night! I’ll be back Sunday morning with updated information about next week’s potent wet weather. I have a friend who just arrived, we’re going to bbq some fresh fish, steam some asparagus and brocolli for dinner, then have good conversations as usual. Aloha for now…Glenn
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Â
February 24-25 2006
Air Temperatures — The following maximum temperatures were recorded across Hawaii Friday:
Lihue, Kauai – 75F
Honolulu, Oahu – 79
Kaneohe, Oahu – 75
Kahului, Maui – 81
Hilo, Hawaii – 76
Kailua-Kona, Hawaii – 80
Temperatures early Saturday morning ranged between these warmest and coolest spots near sea level at the 5 a.m. hour:
Lihue, Kauai – 71
Kahului airport – 67
Precipitation Totals — The following numbers represent the largest precipitation totals during the last 24 hours (as of Saturday morning) on each of the major islands, including:
1.48 WAILUA, KAUAI
0.96 ST. STEPHENS, OAHU
0.08 MOLOKAI
0.05 LANAI
0.00 KAHOOLAWE
0.32 WEST WAILUAIKI, MAUI
0.27 HONAUNAU, BIG ISLAND
Weather Chart — Here’s the latest (automatically updated) weather map…showing a strong high pressure system far NNW of the islands. This high has an elongated ridge running from its center SE to near the islands. At the same time we have a pair of lows, one to the east, and another to the west, with our light NE winds from the ridge squeezing through the lows. This will give us mostly light trade wind breezes….gradually becoming SE and strengthening into Monday. Here’s a Weather Map Symbol page for clarification about what all those funny weather symbols mean.
Hawaii’s Mountains — Here’s a link to the live webcam on the summit of near 14,000 foot Mauna Kea on the Big Island of Hawaii. The tallest peak on the island of Maui is the Haleakala Crater, which is near 10,000 feet in elevation. These two webcams are only available during the daylight hours here in the islands…that is unless there’s a big moon rising just after sunset for an hour or two!
Satellite Images — To view the cloud conditions we have here in Hawaii, please use the following satellite links, starting off with the Infrared Satellite Imageof the islands to see all the clouds around the state. This next satellite image is one that gives close images of the islands only during the daytime hours, and is referred to as a Close-up visible satellite image. The next satellite image shows a larger view of the Pacific…giving perspective to the wider ranging cloud patterns in the Pacific Ocean…out from the islands. To help you keep track of where any showers may be around the islands, here’s the latest radar image.
Aloha Paragraphs
Windward Oahu
Photo: Douglas Peebles
The Hawaiian Islands will see increasing high cirrus clouds Friday into the weekend. The latest weather maps shows the islands still sandwiched between low pressure centers to our east and west. At the same time, we find a strong high pressure system located far to the NW of Hawaii. This pressure configuration will provide mostly light NE winds blowing Friday, gradually becoming easterly on Saturday.
The net result will be cloudy weather, with a few passing showers along our windward coasts and slopes. The leeward sides will see no such showery clouds passing by. As a matter of fact, those south and west facing coasts will continue to see fairly nice weather conditions, albeit it rather cloudy, into the weekend. The warmest beaches in those areas will see air temperatures rising into the middle 80F’s…which isn’t too bad for winter!
The computer forecast models keep this cloudy outlook going through Saturday, and probably into the first part of Sunday. At that point, things begin to look changeable. They suggest that a rather prolonged, and rather widespread rainy period starting Sunday, and continuing off and on through most of next week…accompanied by gusty SE winds. The most likely time for the heaviest showers would be in the Tuesday and Wednesday period.
I suppose the best thing to do at this point, rather than worrying about the weather out into the future, would be to enjoy the great weather we have going on now! That’s always the best policy, because, as we all know very well…the weather can change in unexpected ways. It never does much good to fret about the future, in regards the weather, and well, just about anything in life for that matter. Personally, my philosophy is: expect the best, which seems to work very well for me.
It’s late Friday afternoon here in Kihei, Maui. I just got off work, and am heading over to Kahului. Skies just kept getting more and more cloudy today, most of which consisted of the sun dimming high cirrus clouds. This is likely a preview of the cloudy weather we expect to be around this weekend…leading to possible off and on showers for much of next week. I’ll likely stop by Borders Books for a short time, and then head over to the Maui Arts and Cultural Center, the MACC for short. There’s an exciting Snowboarding film called First Descent. It promises mind-boggling footage of hard-core snow boarders trying to stay ahead of an Alaskan avalanche, which they set off. This is just one of the unreal sequences in this rebellious, inspiring documentary on the rise of snow boarding through the eyes of the sports pioneers and current phenomenons. I hope you have a good Friday night! I’ll be back Saturday morning with more weather updates, and with new information about the possible upcoming inclement weather conditions that are heading our way. Aloha for now…Glenn
Posted by Glenn
[7] Comments
February 23-24 2006
Air Temperatures — The following maximum temperatures were recorded across Hawaii Thursday:
Lihue, Kauai – 72F
Honolulu, Oahu – 79
Kaneohe, Oahu – 74
Kahului, Maui – 81
Hilo, Hawaii – 78
Kailua-Kona, Hawaii – 83
Temperatures early Friday morning ranged between these warmest and coolest spots near sea level at the 4 a.m. hour:
Kailua-kona – 72
Hilo airport – 65
Precipitation Totals — The following numbers represent the largest precipitation totals during the last 24 hours (as of Friday morning) on each of the major islands, including:
3.43 LIHUE AIRPORT, KAUAI
2.01 MAUNAWILI, OAHU
0.19 MOLOKAI
0.03 LANAI
0.00 KAHOOLAWE
0.65 WEST WAILUAIKI, MAUI
0.84 PAHALA, BIG ISLAND
Weather Chart — Here’s the latest (automatically updated) weather map…showing a strong high pressure system far NW of the islands. This high has an elongated ridge running from its center SE to near the islands. At the same time we have a pair of lows, one to the east, and another to the west, with our light NE winds from the ridge squeezing through the lows. This will give us mostly light NE breezes. Here’s a Weather Map Symbol page for clarification about what all those funny weather symbols mean.
Hawaii’s Mountains — Here’s a link to the live webcam on the summit of near 14,000 foot Mauna Kea on the Big Island of Hawaii. The tallest peak on the island of Maui is the Haleakala Crater, which is near 10,000 feet in elevation. These two webcams are only available during the daylight hours here in the islands…that is unless there’s a big moon rising just after sunset for an hour or two!
Satellite Images — To view the cloud conditions we have here in Hawaii, please use the following satellite links, starting off with the Infrared Satellite Imageof the islands to see all the clouds around the state. This next satellite image is one that gives close images of the islands only during the daytime hours, and is referred to as a Close-up visible satellite image. The next satellite image shows a larger view of the Pacific…giving perspective to the wider ranging cloud patterns in the Pacific Ocean…out from the islands. To help you keep track of where any showers may be around the islands, here’s the latest radar image.
Aloha Paragraphs
Upcountry Maui
The Hawaiian Islands are in the clear again for the most part, that is less you’re on Kauai…where heavy rains were still occurring in places Thursday. One trough of low pressure, which was just to the west of the state, is now well to the east…although another trough is spinning to the west and NW now. This has allowed the eastern Islands, on the Big Island end of the chain, to dry out. However, flash flooding was reported late Thursday morning on Kauai.
The latest weather map shows an extremely strong 1051 millibar high pressure system located far to the NW of our islands. This high pressure cell is too far away to give more than locally breezy trades for the time being. We’ll find a fairly normal winter time trade wind weather pattern over us now, which will pervail through at least Saturday. This will keep mostly sunny skies over the leeward beaches, with partly cloudy conditions with a few showers over the windward coasts and slopes.
Days will be warm, and nights seasonably cool. The range in air temperatures at sea level will be from about 68F to 83F…give or take a degree or two. The upcountry, higher elevation areas, will have several degrees shaved off those balmy conditions at the coasts. The mountain summits on Maui and the Big Island will be much colder, necessitating very warm clothing, especially where the winds are blowing. By the way, there is still snow on the ground atop both Mauna Loa and Mauna Kea on the Big Island of Hawaii.
The longer range computer forecast models continue to show the chance of increasing showers late this weekend into early next week. That high pressure system mentioned in one of the paragraphs above, is forecast to get closer to us, with stronger east or SE winds blowing then. At the same time, another trough of low pressure is scheduled to be west our area, which could keep our atmosphere rather shower prone starting Sunday into Monday. The models still haven’t completely made up their minds, so I suggest we don’t get too excited or discouraged, over this wet weather prospect just yet…although it looks likely at this point.
Meanwhile, in the marine environment, a gale low has been spinning out to the NE of the islands. This area of brisk winds continues to generate NE swells, which are keeping our east through north shores full of breaking waves. This fairly uncommon NE swell will continue, and should actually bump the surf up another notch this weekend. Speaking of unusual, storms in the southern hemisphere, down near New Zealand, have generated an out of season SSW swell, which is heading in our direction. We will see these waves arrive Friday, bathing our leeward south and west facing beaches and reefs into the weekend.
I went to a film after work yesterday, it was called the White Countess. I very much enjoyed this story, and could recommend it to just about everyone. Ralph Fiennes, Natasha Richardson, Vanessa Redgrave, Lynn Redgrave and Kazuo Ishiguro star in this final production from the Merchant Ivory team that brought us “Howards End” and “Remains of the Day”, the adult variety of movie magic that they made their hallmark. This time the story is set in 1930’s Shanghai and is the story of one ex-diplomat’s quest to fulfill his dream with a former countess who is the passionately sensual embodiment of his dream.
It’s early Thursday evening here in Kula, Maui.  It was quite a nice day here on Maui, with lots of warm sunshine beaming down, especially along the beaches. The high temperatures in Wailea-Kihei, and along Front Street in Lahaina, reached the middle 80F’s…it was 86F degrees on Wednesday as well. The sandy beach was full of people doing their thing today, including lots of digging in the sand as usual, and there were just enough small waves breaking, that folks were having fun riding the waves on their foam bodyboards. I was able to catch a couple of nice bodysurfing rides at lunch myself. I was floored as I drove up through the pasturelands this evening, as the lighting was so special, along with the whispiest layer of thin fog that was laying right down on the ground. I actually had two of the cars in front of me pull over to take this Heavenly scene in. I knew it would be almost as good out on my weather deck, so I just pushed forward towards home. I hope you had a great Thursday, and that you will plan on meeting me here again for the next completely updated weather narrative on tap for Friday morning. Aloha for now…Glenn.
Posted by Glenn
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February 22-23 2006
Air Temperatures — The following maximum temperatures were recorded across Hawaii Wednesday:
Lihue, Kauai – 78F
Honolulu, Oahu – 80
Kaneohe, Oahu – 77
Kahului, Maui – 81
Hilo, Hawaii – 82
Kailua-Kona, Hawaii – 82
Temperatures early Thursday morning ranged between these warmest and coolest spots near sea level at the 4 a.m. hour:
Kailua-kona – 71
Kahului airport – 66
Precipitation Totals — The following numbers represent the largest precipitation totals during the last 24 hours (as of Thursday morning) on each of the major islands, including:
2.79 ANAHOLA, KAUAI
0.73 WILSON TUNNEL, OAHU
0.69 MOLOKAI
0.36 LANAI
0.17 KAHOOLAWE
1.00 KAUPO GAP, MAUI
1.46 HONOKAA, BIG ISLAND
Weather Chart — Here’s the latest (automatically updated) weather map…showing a very strong 1051 millibar high pressure system far NW of the islands. This high has an elongated ridge running from its center SE. This ridge to our east will bring back light to moderate trade winds into Friday. Here’s a Weather Map Symbol page for clarification about what all those funny weather symbols mean.
Hawaii’s Mountains — Here’s a link to the live webcam on the summit of near 14,000 foot Mauna Kea on the Big Island of Hawaii. The tallest peak on the island of Maui is the Haleakala Crater, which is near 10,000 feet in elevation. These two webcams are only available during the daylight hours here in the islands…that is unless there’s a big moon rising just after sunset for an hour or two!
Satellite Images — To view the cloud conditions we have here in Hawaii, please use the following satellite links, starting off with the Infrared Satellite Imageof the islands to see all the clouds around the state. This next satellite image is one that gives close images of the islands only during the daytime hours, and is referred to as a Close-up visible satellite image. The next satellite image shows a larger view of the Pacific…giving perspective to the wider ranging cloud patterns in the Pacific Ocean…out from the islands. To help you keep track of where any showers may be around the islands, here’s the latest radar image.
Aloha Paragraphs
Waimanaolo Beach, windward Oahu
Photo: Douglas Peebles
The long lasting spell of unsettled weather is almost done with us. There are definite signs that we’ll be moving into an improved weather pattern now. The trough of low pressure is now migrating eastward across the Aloha state. We’ll finally see the end of our thick high cloud coverage, with more sunshine availability today. These high cirrus clouds have filtered and dimmed our Hawaiian sunshine off and on, mostly on, for the last five days or so. There still is the threat of some locally heavy showers Wednesday over the Big Island.
As the trough of low pressure edges eastward, we’ll finally see drier weather, with much less cloud cover. The low pressure trough’s position to our west has kept showers around, some of which have been very heavy since this last weekend. There have been thunderstorms too, along with localized flooding in places. It appears that early Wednesday will continue to see some threat of rain, although certainly not by Thursday, as we continue to see improvement in general.
The latest computer forecast models show pretty good weather now into Friday. However, they suggest that another trough of low pressure will set up shop near the islands this weekend. This could mean that we have yet another round of showers then. As this next trough develops, we could see more high clouds streaming in over the state this weekend as well. The models aren’t all in total agreement with this rainy weekend outlook, although we shouldn’t be too surprised if it happens.
The Reply Box just below the next paragraph is now fixed I believe. This is great way for you to write a few words, and to share them with the rest of the readers of this website. I haven’t had a chance to test it out, although perhaps a few of you could do that…give it a test drive so to speak. By the way, Bumpnetworks, the business I work with on website development, is going to install the necessary computer to put my TV weather show on the internet this Friday morning. I’m sure there will be a little bit of testing, however, it shouldn’t be long now folks!
It’s early Wednesday morning here in Kula, Maui. A little while ago I heard thunder, and there has been heavy rain reported on Lanai and Molokai recently. There’s light rain falling just outside my weather tower at the moment, along with my wind chimes singing quite a rowdy song. I’m sure that the visitors here on vacation, and our local residents too, are ready for a break in this cloudy and showery weather. I’ve personally had no problem with the clouds, or the rain either, as I readily accept these weather elements. As a weather reporter, I’m glad to see it all, just point it out, giving a little analysis and narrative along the way. Oops, the rain is coming down a little harder now, oh my, quite a bit harder now! I hope you have a great Wednesday. I’ll be back with more weather updates later in the day. I’m heading out to a film right after work, so will be home later than usual this evening. Aloha for now…Glenn.
Posted by Glenn
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February 21-22 2006
Air Temperatures — The following maximum temperatures were recorded across Hawaii Tuesday:
Lihue, Kauai – 74F
Honolulu, Oahu – 80
Kaneohe, Oahu – 76
Kahului, Maui – 83
Hilo, Hawaii – 75
Kailua-Kona, Hawaii – 81
Temperatures early Wednesday morning ranged between these warmest and coolest spots near sea level at the 4 a.m. hour:
Kahului, Maui – 73
Hilo airport – 68
Precipitation Totals — The following numbers represent the largest precipitation totals during the last 24 hours (as of Wednesday morning) on each of the major islands, including:
7.44 MOUNT WAIALEALE, KAUAI
4.98 NUUANU UPPER, OAHU
0.17 MOLOKAI
0.02 LANAI
0.04 KAHOOLAWE
5.95 OHEO GULCH, MAUI
3.28 WAIAKEA UKA, BIG ISLAND
Weather Chart — Here’s the latest (automatically updated) weather map…showing a strong 1040 millibar high pressure system far NE of the islands. At the same time, a trough of low pressure is moving over the state from west to east.  The net result will be to see mostly light trade winds today into Thursday. Here’s a Weather Map Symbol page for clarification about what all those funny weather symbols mean.
Hawaii’s Mountains — Here’s a link to the live webcam on the summit of near 14,000 foot Mauna Kea on the Big Island of Hawaii. The tallest peak on the island of Maui is the Haleakala Crater, which is near 10,000 feet in elevation. These two webcams are only available during the daylight hours here in the islands…that is unless there’s a big moon rising just after sunset for an hour or two!
Satellite Images — To view the cloud conditions we have here in Hawaii, please use the following satellite links, starting off with the Infrared Satellite Imageof the islands to see all the clouds around the state. This next satellite image is one that gives close images of the islands only during the daytime hours, and is referred to as a Close-up visible satellite image. The next satellite image shows a larger view of the Pacific…giving perspective to the wider ranging cloud patterns in the Pacific Ocean…out from the islands. To help you keep track of where any showers may be around the islands, here’s the latest radar image.
Aloha Paragraphs
Road to Hana, Maui
Photo: Douglas Peebles
An unstable atmosphere over and near the islands has kept locally heavy rain falling in places lately. The most recent outbreak of heavy showers, has been most focused on the Garden Isle of Kauai. Mount Waialeale, one of the rainiest places in the world, received over 17 inches during the last 24 hours! The NWS forecast office in Honolulu is keeping a flash flood warning active over some coastal areas on Kauai today, with a flash flood watch over Oahu and Molokai too. All the islands have picked up large amounts at times, with one gauge on Oahu showing 6+ inches…while 3+ inches have fallen in the wetter areas on Maui and the Big Island.
A trough moving over the Aloha state will keep the island chain shower prone into Wednesday…with some thunderstorms over the central islands. Meanwhile, light trade winds will make a temporary showing in Hawaii into Wednesday. This will help to stablize things a bit, although may also carry some showery clouds to the windward sides of the islands. February so far has been an interesting month for weather, with quite a bit of wet weather occurring off and on. It now appears that we’ll probably dry out some as we move into the Thursday through Sunday time frame.
The latest models show a low pressure system developing to the east of the state later this week. The counterclockwise wind flow around that low pressure cell will bring somewhat cooler north to NE winds into the state starting around Thursday. This will tend to bring drier air in our direction, with fairly decent weather conditions prevailing. The longer range models however suggest that we’ll see a cold front pushing down into the state Sunday into Monday. This will bring a batch of showers, with strong and gusty easterly trade winds blowing after the frontal passage into next week.
It’s early Tuesday evening here in Kula, Maui.  It was a completely cloudy day today, just about everywhere in the state of Hawaii. The islands of Kauai and Oahu were drenched at different times, with the latest round of heavy showers and downpours causing flooding in places on the Gathering Place island of Oahu. I made it to the beach during my lunch break, despite the cloudy conditions, as it was rather a warm day. The winds remained quite light too, so there were lots of people trying to get that next layer of tan…in the muted sunshine at best. It was a relatively warm day, although I’m it didn’t feel all that warm for the folks on Kauai and Oahu, where all the copious rain was falling!  The Reply Box just below isn’t working correctly yet, but hopefully will be fixed sooner than later. I apologize for any inconvenience….I was certainly enjoying hearing from all of you before it went on the blink. Here’s wishing you a great Tuesday night, and an invitation to join me here again Wednesday morning for the next narrative from paradise. Aloha for now…Glenn.
Posted by Glenn
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February 20-21 2006
Air Temperatures — The following maximum temperatures were recorded across Hawaii Monday:
Lihue, Kauai – 76F
Honolulu, Oahu – 80
Kaneohe, Oahu – 76
Kahului, Maui – 81
Hilo, Hawaii – 77
Kailua-Kona, Hawaii – 82
Temperatures early Tuesday morning ranged between these warmest and coolest spots near sea level at the 5 a.m. hour:
Kailua-kona – 73
Hilo airport – 69
Precipitation Totals — The following numbers represent the largest precipitation totals during the last 24 hours (as of Tuesday morning) on each of the major islands, including:
9.73 MOUNT WAIALEALE, KAUAI
6.38 POAMOHO 2, OAHU
0.08 MOLOKAI
0.03 LANAI
0.16 KAHOOLAWE
3.90 WEST WAILUAIKI, MAUI
3.27 WAIAKEA UKA, BIG ISLAND
Weather Chart — Here’s the latest (automatically updated) weather map…showing a very strong 1042 millibar high pressure system far NE of the islands. Although, with a trough of low pressure between the islands and that high pressure cell, we’ll see only a temporary spell of light trade winds today into Wednesday. Here’s a Weather Map Symbol page for clarification about what all those funny weather symbols mean.
Hawaii’s Mountains — Here’s a link to the live webcam on the summit of near 14,000 foot Mauna Kea on the Big Island of Hawaii. The tallest peak on the island of Maui is the Haleakala Crater, which is near 10,000 feet in elevation. These two webcams are only available during the daylight hours here in the islands…that is unless there’s a big moon rising just after sunset for an hour or two!
Satellite Images — To view the cloud conditions we have here in Hawaii, please use the following satellite links, starting off with the Infrared Satellite Imageof the islands to see all the clouds around the state. This next satellite image is one that gives close images of the islands only during the daytime hours, and is referred to as a Close-up visible satellite image. The next satellite image shows a larger view of the Pacific…giving perspective to the wider ranging cloud patterns in the Pacific Ocean…out from the islands. To help you keep track of where any showers may be around the islands, here’s the latest radar image.
Aloha Paragraphs
Tropical sunset in Hawaii
Photo: Douglas Peebles
There remains some influence of upper level low pressure systems around the Hawaiian Islands Monday. Our surface winds have been blowing from the SE over most areas of the state recently, helping to bring volcanic haze up from the vent on the Big Island…although that seems to have lifted out overnight. Meanwhile, the upper level winds are blowing from the west and SW, which was keeping high cirrus clouds streaming up over the islands…although that too has dissipated to a great extent as well.
These upper lows, with their associated cold air aloft, are still close enough to have sparked localized heavy showers, and some thunderstorm activity in some places overnight. This means that there is still the good chance of some heavy showers around, as occurred over the island of Oahu Sunday night…where 6-8+ inches of rain fell in those wettest places! This flooding rain focused its efforts over the Koolau Mountains, and along the windward coast, although Honolulu was reporting heavy rains early Monday morning too.
AÂ canopy of high cirrus clouds will be giving way to more sunshine Monday. Although, with reports of some heavy showers, and thunderstorms in the vicinity, those cumulus and cumulonimbus clouds will continue to be the rain producers in places Monday. As the light SE winds give way to light trade winds now into Tuesday, we’ll see some showers arriving along the windward sides of the islands more often now too.
It’s early Monday evening here in Kula, Maui. The day started off in an encouraging way here on Maui. Although, as the sun got higher in the sky, clouds began to form at pretty much all levels of the atmosphere. Here in the upcountry areas of east Maui, it has been a cloudy day. Speaking of Upcountry Maui, I am so proud to live here. I honestly think it is one of the finest places to live in all of the Hawaiian Islands. It does take a desire for cooler weather than down near sea level, that, and a liking for showery weather at times. I have so much enjoyed this day, hardly doing a thing, being a real couch potato, reading magazines and poetry. A little of this and that, although not too much. I did make a quick red sauce pasta, which I will plate along side a blossom of steamed brocolli.
In celebration of my Fathers turn back towards good health, I am sipping on a glass of vodka, tonic water and a wedge of fresh picked Kula Lime. Speaking of my Dad, it is a wonderful thing being able to call my parents house, and have my Mom and Dad answer. I have gotten very use to those familiar voices, and just that he, and my Mom are there…is the ultimate comfort! I wish you well, and will catch up with those of you who attend Tuesday morning’s weather class from Maui, both on the internet and the TV show. Aloha for now…Glenn.
By the way, the reply box just below is not working correctly…I apologize for this malfunction. Meanwhile, I have decided to discontinue my fund raiser for the time being. Thanks so much to those that made a contribution to this website, including my TV weather show at the Maui Community College. I will leave the Paypal button on the left hand margin just in case there were some folks who hadn’t gotten around to responding to my 2006 donation drive.
Posted by Glenn
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February 19-20 2006
Air Temperatures — The following maximum temperatures were recorded across Hawaii Sunday:
Lihue, Kauai – 78F
Honolulu, Oahu – 81
Kaneohe, Oahu – 77
Kahului, Maui – 82
Hilo, Hawaii – 79
Kailua-Kona, Hawaii – 80
Temperatures early Monday morning ranged between these warmest and coolest spots near sea level at the 5 a.m. hour:
Kailua-kona – 73
Hilo airport – 68
Precipitation Totals — The following numbers represent the largest precipitation totals during the last 24 hours (as of Monday morning) on each of the major islands, including:
1.11 MOUNT WAIALEALE, KAUAI
8.67 AHUIMANU LOOP, OAHU
1.29 MOLOKAI
0.82 LANAI
0.00 KAHOOLAWE
2.93 KAHAKULOA, MAUI
0.21 LAUPAHOEHOE, BIG ISLAND
Weather Chart — Here’s the latest (automatically updated) weather map…showing a trough of low pressure far to the west, and to the NE of the islands Monday. This will keep our winds light, gradually becoming trade winds on Tuesday. Here’s a Weather Map Symbol page for clarification about what all those funny weather symbols mean.
Hawaii’s Mountains — Here’s a link to the live webcam on the summit of near 14,000 foot Mauna Kea on the Big Island of Hawaii. The tallest peak on the island of Maui is the Haleakala Crater, which is near 10,000 feet in elevation. These two webcams are only available during the daylight hours here in the islands…that is unless there’s a big moon rising just after sunset for an hour or two!
Satellite Images — To view the cloud conditions we have here in Hawaii, please use the following satellite links, starting off with the Infrared Satellite Imageof the islands to see all the clouds around the state. This next satellite image is one that gives close images of the islands only during the daytime hours, and is referred to as a Close-up visible satellite image. The next satellite image shows a larger view of the Pacific…giving perspective to the wider ranging cloud patterns in the Pacific Ocean…out from the islands. To help you keep track of where any showers may be around the islands, here’s the latest radar image.
Aloha Paragraphs
Wailea Beach, Maui
Artist: Douglas Peebles
The upper level low pressure system has now moved further away to the west and NW of the main Hawaiian Islands. Our surface winds are blowing from the SE over most areas of the state today, helping to bring volcanic haze up from the vent on the Big Island. Meanwhile, the upper level winds are blowing from the west and SW, which is keeping high cirrus clouds streaming up over the islands, muting our Hawaiian sunshine greatly.
This upper low, with its associated cold air aloft…despite its greater distance now, apparently is still close enough to spark some local thunderstorm activity. This means that there is still the good chance of some heavy showers around, as occurred over the island of Oahu Saturday night into Sunday morning…where up to 5 inches of rain fell in places! This flooding rain focused its efforts over the Koolau Mountains, and along the windward coast. Although there were thunderstorms that formed near Maui during the day Sunday as well.
The veil of high cirrus clouds will be filtering our sunshine through Monday. These icy clouds give the atmosphere a rather threatening look, in terms of showers, although high clouds don’t provide rain, at least not that will reach the surface. Although, with reports of thunderstorms in the vicinity, those cumulus and cumulonimbus clouds will be the localized rain producers Sunday. As the light SE winds give way to light trade winds into Monday, we’ll see some showers arriving along the windward sides of the islands more often too.
It’s early Sunday evening here in Kula, Maui. It has turned out to be a day without one moment of sunshine here on Maui, at least from what I could see from my mountain perch. It was cloudy, cloudy, and then more cloudy. Actually, it has taken turns in being cloudy, and then foggy! There have been some off and on light showers at my place too. I haven’t left home, and have enjoyed lounging around and reading. My Dad was in the hospital overnight, and so I’m concerned for his well being. He has some tests to take soon, which will let us know what’s up with his health. It certainly changes my mood when something like this happens. It’s still daylight at the moment, although the atmosphere over the islands is full of moisture, with clouds occupying all levels of the sky. I hope you have a great Sunday night, I’ll be back Monday morning with the next narrative updates. Aloha for now…Glenn.Â
You may have noticed that I added a Paypal – Donate button on the left hand margin of this page. I’d like to invite my regular readers to please make a contribution if possible. As they know, I invest a considerable amount of time keeping these pages updated on a twice daily basis throughout the year. It’s essentially a labor of love, as I enjoy keeping in touch with the weather, and then sharing it with you. At the same time, this is an opportunity to support the continuance of my TV weather show as well, which will soon appear on this webpage. Once a year I have a fund raiser, and ask folks to give a little something back in support of my efforts. Last year I was asked how much Glenn? I believe that somewhere between $35 and $50 is a fair amount per year. There will of course be those that give less, and then again perhaps more. All you have to do is click on the Paypal button, follow the easy directions, and the funds will be securely transferred to my account. By the way, if you feel more comfortable about sending a check, please contact me via email for my mailing address. I will appreciate whatever you can give, and of course thank you very much! I’ll be acknowledging the folks who make a contribution Sunday, by listing them just below:
Edward Tucker, from Fort Collins, Colorado
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