September 30-October 1 2006

Air Temperatures – The following maximum temperatures were recorded across Hawaii Saturday:

Lihue, Kauai – 84F
Honolulu, Oahu – 87
Kaneohe, Oahu – 85
Kahului, Maui – 89
Hilo, Hawaii – 84
Kailua-Kona, Hawaii – 86

KANEOHE, OAHU – 78
HILO AIRPORT – 74

Precipitation Totals – The following numbers represent the largest precipitation totals (inches) during the last 24 hours (as of Sunday morning) on each of the major islands:

Weather Chart – Here’s the latest (automatically updated) weather map…showing a 1026 millibar high pressure center located to the NE of the Hawaiian Islands. This high pressure cell, with its associated ridge will give us light trade winds through Monday. A couple of troughs in the vicinity of Hawaii will keep the winds from being as strong as they might otherwise be.  Here’s a Weather Map Symbol page for clarification about what all those weather symbols mean on the map.

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 available during the daylight hours here in the islands…and when there’s a big moon rising just after sunset for an hour or two! Plus, during the nights and early mornings you will be able to see stars, and the sunrise too…depending upon cloud conditions.

Satellite Images – To view the cloud conditions we have here in Hawaii, please use the following satellite links, starting off with the Infrared Satellite Image of the islands to see all the clouds around the state during the day and night. This next image is one that gives close images of the islands only during the daytime hours, and is referred to as a Close-up visible image. This next 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.

Tropical Cyclone Activity – The eastern Pacific hurricane season runs from May 15 through November 30…while the central Pacific (where Hawaii is) runs from June 1 through November 30. The latest storm information for the eastern Pacific can be found by clicking here. A storm tracking map for both the central and eastern areas can be found by clicking here . For the central Pacific, the latest storm information can be found by clicking here.

 

Beauty spot
Photo Credit: flikr.com

We’ll find light to moderately strong trade winds blowing through Monday. Weather maps show a moderately strong high pressure system located to the NE of our Hawaiian Islands now. This high pressure cell will keep our winds light to moderately strong, although somewhat gusty along the windward sides during the afternoon hours locally. The latest forecasts show them calming down some early in the new week ahead, as an early season low pressure system forms to our NW…sending a cold front in our direction by mid-week. 

A rather modest area of moisture to the SE of the islands will bring some minor showers to the windward sides of the islands into Sunday. Satellite images and weather maps show a trough of low pressure to the SE of the Big Island of Hawaii. This area is expected to move across the Aloha state Sunday into Monday or so. The moisture associated with this trough come into the state, which will increase clouds and showers a little tonight into Sunday…mostly along the windward sides.

It’s early Saturday evening here in Kula, Maui, as I start writing this sunset commentary.  I’ve been sitting out on my weather deck, soaking in a little late in the day sunshine, one of the resident cats laying next to me, as I sip on a glass of excellent 2003 Meritage red wine from Washington state. I forgot to tell you in this morning’s narrative…while I was sitting down in the small audience watching a Hula performance last evening before the film started…the Kumu, or the teacher, asked two young dancers to go out in the audience and pick someone to bring back up on stage. I was sitting in the 3rd or 4th row back, but somehow this young girl came right to me and put out her hand!  The teacher had her dance with me alone on stage, with everyone watching. She wanted us to do Tahitian dancing, which is very fast, and very active in the hips. She immediately exclaimed: "I see you on TV", which had me feeling even a little more self conscious. At any rate, I danced up there, and because I’ve been dancing lately, I know how to move my body, and I didn’t hold back…you can’t with Tahitian dancing! She said I did very well, and everyone clapped. I made a bee line from the stage right into Fearless, the Jet Li film I saw last night, which I enjoyed a lot. Since I’d been on the dance floor once alreaday that day, I figured I’d better drive down to Paia then, and do some more of that groovy Club dancing. I love relating in that way, and stayed right to the end, before driving through to Kula…late at night. It’s so hazy this evening, and there are cirrus clouds, which should work together to give us another nice sunset on this last day of September 2006. I bbq’d some organic chicken in the afternoon, which I’ll be eating as chicken tacos for the next several days. I’m looking down the barrel of an unplanned Sunday, which is fine with me. I’m playing with the idea of going surfing on the north shore, although it will depend on my mood in the morning. Speaking of which, I’ll see you back here then with the next updated narrative. Aloha for now…Glenn.

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September 29-30 2006

Air Temperatures – The following maximum temperatures were recorded across Hawaii Friday:

Lihue, Kauai – 83F
Honolulu, Oahu – 87
Kaneohe, Oahu – 83
Kahului, Maui – 87
Hilo, Hawaii – 78
Kailua-Kona, Hawaii – 85

HONOLULU AIRPORT – 77
HILO AIRPORT – 73

Precipitation Totals – The following numbers represent the largest precipitation totals (inches) during the last 24 hours (as of Saturday morning) on each of the major islands:

Weather Chart – Here’s the latest (automatically updated) weather map…showing a 1024 millibar high pressure center located to the NE of the Hawaiian Islands. This high pressure cell, with its associated ridge will give us light to moderate trade winds through Sunday…locally gusty during the afternoon hours.  Here’s a Weather Map Symbol page for clarification about what all those weather symbols mean on the map.

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 available during the daylight hours here in the islands…and when there’s a big moon rising just after sunset for an hour or two! Plus, during the nights and early mornings you will be able to see stars, and the sunrise too…depending upon cloud conditions.

Satellite Images – To view the cloud conditions we have here in Hawaii, please use the following satellite links, starting off with the Infrared Satellite Image of the islands to see all the clouds around the state during the day and night. This next image is one that gives close images of the islands only during the daytime hours, and is referred to as a Close-up visible image. This next 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.

Tropical Cyclone Activity – The eastern Pacific hurricane season runs from May 15 through November 30…while the central Pacific (where Hawaii is) runs from June 1 through November 30. The latest storm information for the eastern Pacific can be found by clicking here. A storm tracking map for both the central and eastern areas can be found by clicking here . For the central Pacific, the latest storm information can be found by clicking here.

 

Sunset at Poipu Beach, Kauai
Photo Credit: flikr.com

In the wind department here in the Hawaii, we’ll find the common light to moderately strong trade winds blowing through Saturday. Weather maps show a moderately strong high pressure system located to the NE of our Hawaiian Islands now. This high pressure cell will keep our winds light to moderately strong, although somewhat gusty along the windward sides during the afternoon hours locally. The latest forecasts show them calming down later this weekend into early next week, as an early season low pressure system forms to our west or NW. 

In the rainfall department, other than some showers along the windward sides, especially on the Big Island and Maui…conditions will be quite dry through Saturday otherwise. We’ll see an increase in showers arriving along the windward facing coasts and slopes on the rest of the other island’s windward sides this weekend.  In contrast, the leeward sides will remain quite dry, although a few showers may sneak over into the leeward coastal areas here and there too.

There’s a good chance that we’ll see some increase in windward showers now into this weekend.  Satellite images and weather maps show a trough of low pressure to the SE of the Big Island of Hawaii. This area is expected to move by to the south of the state this weekend. However, the northern fringe of moisture, associated with this trough, will ride up into the state, which will increase clouds and showers in Hawaii…focusing its efforts most intently along the windward sides.

It’s early Friday morning here in Kula, Maui, as I start writing this last paragraph of today’s narrative. The high clouds that have been dimming and filtering our famous Hawaiian sunshine for the last several days, have shifted southward. This will leave most of the state with sunnier weather today. This high cirrus cloudiness has been providing incredible sunrise and sunset colors! I just walked outside on my weather deck, and for the first morning in a while, could actually see lots of twinkling stars above. It’s a little after 5am at the moment, and my outside temperature sensor is reading 55F degrees at this 3,100 elevation, on the west facing slope of the Haleakala Crater. For contrast, down at the Kahului airport at the same time, it was a warmer 74F, while the warmest sea level location was an even warmer 77F degrees at the Kailu-Kona airport on the Big Island. I like the fact that it’s Friday, which means that it’s the last day of this work week, and more than that, the weekend is looming just ahead. I’d like to go see the new film called Fearless, starring Jet Li this evening. I’ve got plans to go dancing in Paia afterwards with friends, and then I’ll most likely go surfing along the north shore tomorrow morning. It’s been a big week of work, so I’m looking forward to having some time to relax soon. I hope you have a great Friday wherever you happen to be spending it! I’ll be back later with more weather updates. I’ll be back early Saturday morning with the next updated narrative. Aloha for now…Glenn.

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September 28-29 2006

Air Temperatures – The following maximum temperatures were recorded across Hawaii Thursday:

Lihue, Kauai – 83F
Honolulu, Oahu – 86
Kaneohe, Oahu – 83
Kahului, Maui – 87
Hilo, Hawaii – 76
Kailua-Kona, Hawaii – 86

KAILUA-KONA – 78
HILO AIRPORT – 72

Precipitation Totals – The following numbers represent the largest precipitation totals (inches) during the last 24 hours (as of Friday morning) on each of the major islands:

Weather Chart – Here’s the latest (automatically updated) weather map…showing a 1027 millibar high pressure center located to the NE of the Hawaiian Islands. This high pressure cell, with its associated ridge will give us light to moderate trade winds through Saturday…locally gusty during the afternoon hours.  Here’s a Weather Map Symbol page for clarification about what all those weather symbols mean on the map.

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 available during the daylight hours here in the islands…and when there’s a big moon rising just after sunset for an hour or two! Plus, during the nights and early mornings you will be able to see stars, and the sunrise too…depending upon cloud conditions.

Satellite Images – To view the cloud conditions we have here in Hawaii, please use the following satellite links, starting off with the Infrared Satellite Image of the islands to see all the clouds around the state during the day and night. This next image is one that gives close images of the islands only during the daytime hours, and is referred to as a Close-up visible image. This next 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.

Tropical Cyclone Activity – The eastern Pacific hurricane season runs from May 15 through November 30…while the central Pacific (where Hawaii is) runs from June 1 through November 30. The latest storm information for the eastern Pacific can be found by clicking here. A storm tracking map for both the central and eastern areas can be found by clicking here . For the central Pacific, the latest storm information can be found by clicking here.

 

It’s running about 80F degrees in there now!
Photo Credit: flikr.com

We’re dropping back into a relatively normal trade wind weather pattern now into Friday and probably Saturday.  Weather maps show a moderately strong high pressure system located far to the NE of our Hawaiian Islands now. This high pressure cell will keep our winds light to moderately strong, although somewhat gusty along the windward sides during the afternoon hours locally. The latest forecasts show them calming down later this weekend into early next week, as an early season low pressure system forms to our west or NW…perhaps turning them SE then. 

The departure of the atmospheric destabilizing trough of the last few days, will put us back into a more normal trade wind weather pattern.  The last few days saw locally heavy showers around in places, with even a few thunderstorms. This trough’s influence is now much less obvious, so that we’ll move into a relatively dry period for a couple of days. Now through Saturday should see just a few windward biased showers, otherwise most areas will remain dry for the time being.

Weather models and forecast charts continue to show changes starting later this weekend into early next week.  Satellite images show a tropical disturbance to the SE of the Big Island of Hawaii. This slug of tropical moisture is expected to move by to the south of the state, without flairing up into a tropical depression. However, the northern fringe of this area of disturbed weather may ride up over the state starting Sunday, which could increase clouds and showers in Hawaii then. An upper low pressure system may form at the same time to our NW, which could enhance these showers locally.

It’s early Thursday evening here in Kula, Maui, as I start writing this sunset commentary. It was another of those rather quick, but brilliant sunsets here in the islands, not lasting all that long, but definitely worth the watching out on my weather deck! High clouds once again swept in over the islands today, helping to set up the gorgeous sunset, although at the same time dimming and filtering our famous Hawaiian sunshine again today. This canopy of high and middle level clouds wasn’t as extensive or thick as the last couple of days, which was good for the folks wanting to further their sun tanning sessions at our local beaches. Have a good Thursday night everyone, I’ll be back with your next in-depth weather narrative early Friday morning. Aloha for now…Glenn.

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September 27-28 2006

Air Temperatures – The following maximum temperatures were recorded across Hawaii Wednesday:

Lihue, Kauai – 83F
Honolulu, Oahu – 86
Kaneohe, Oahu – 83
Kahului, Maui – 89
Hilo, Hawaii – 82
Kailua-Kona, Hawaii – 86

KANEOHE, OAHU – 77
HILO AIRPORT – 72

Precipitation Totals – The following numbers represent the largest precipitation totals (inches) during the last 24 hours (as of Thursday morning) on each of the major islands:

Weather Chart – Here’s the latest (automatically updated) weather map…showing a 1028 millibar high pressure center located far to the NE…well offshore from the northern California coast. This high pressure cell, with its associated ridge will give us light to moderate trade winds through Friday…locally gusty during the afternoon hours.  Here’s a Weather Map Symbol page for clarification about what all those weather symbols mean on the map.

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 available during the daylight hours here in the islands…and when there’s a big moon rising just after sunset for an hour or two! Plus, during the nights and early mornings you will be able to see stars, and the sunrise too…depending upon cloud conditions.

Satellite Images – To view the cloud conditions we have here in Hawaii, please use the following satellite links, starting off with the Infrared Satellite Image of the islands to see all the clouds around the state during the day and night. This next image is one that gives close images of the islands only during the daytime hours, and is referred to as a Close-up visible image. This next 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.

Tropical Cyclone Activity – The eastern Pacific hurricane season runs from May 15 through November 30…while the central Pacific (where Hawaii is) runs from June 1 through November 30. The latest storm information for the eastern Pacific can be found by clicking here. A storm tracking map for both the central and eastern areas can be found by clicking here . For the central Pacific, the latest storm information can be found by clicking here.

 

I hope you don’t mind getting your feet wet!
Photo Credit: flikr.com

The trade winds will remain active, blowing in the light to moderately strong range for the time being. We find rather weak high pressure systems located to the north, NE, and east of our Hawaiian Islands now. These high pressure cells will keep our winds on the light side, although a little gusty along the windward sides during the afternoon hours. The latest forecast shows them calming down again later this upcoming weekend, as an early season kona low pressure system forms to our west or NW…with SE winds expected then. 

The localized heavy showers of late will be less likely today, although there could still be a pretty good one here and there…especially on Kauai.  During the last 24 hours we’ve seen some locally heavy rain falling in spots, although this hasn’t been a widespread event. The largest amount was an incredible 9.00 inches in the Koolau  Mountains of Oahu! We may see some locally heavy showers again this morning, or perhaps during the afternoon hours around the mountains…although the dynamics are gradually becoming less favorable for that as we move forward.

The latest computer forecast models continue to show conditions improving, with a trade wind weather pattern on tap for Thursday into Friday. Those same models are still wanting to develop a ow pressure system to our west or NW  this weekend into early next week. It’s placement may qualify it for Kona type Low, which could bring in another round of showers then. This prospect is still somewhat sketchy, although there remains the definite chance of locally heavy precipitation across the island chain Saturday and Sunday.

It’s early Wednesday evening here in Kula, Maui, as I start writing this sunset commentary.   Wow, I just enjoyed another great sunset from out on my weather deck…which have been just phenomenal all this week! Once again I’m listening to classical piano music, which somehow fits so nicely here upcountry. If I was down near the beach, like where that picture is above, it would probably be fitting to listen to Hawaiian music, and perhaps be sipping on some sort of tropical cocktail, with the waves lapping on my feet. The spotty heavy rains across the state yesterday, were restricted to Kauai this morning, with the entire state drying out this afternoon. I’d say we’re heading into a nice couple of days ahead, with just normal trade wind weather prevailing. As mentioned above, as we move into the weekend, there’s that chance of increasing clouds and showers again. Let’s not cement that prospect in just yet, but not consider it out of the question either.  I should have a better feeling for it Thursday, stay tuned. As you’ll note below, we’re starting to see the sure signs of the end of summer, even way down here in the tropics! I hope you have a very pleasant Wednesday night, and that you will meet me back here during the new day ahead, when I’ll have your new narrative waiting as sure as the sun will rise over the Haleakala Crater. Aloha for now…Glenn.

Note: The summits of the Big Island had their first snowfall of the autumn season early Wednesday morning!

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September 26-27 2006

Air Temperatures – The following maximum temperatures were recorded across Hawaii Tuesday:

Lihue, Kauai – 84F
Honolulu, Oahu – 84
Kaneohe, Oahu – 82
Kahului, Maui – 87
Hilo, Hawaii – 77
Kailua-Kona, Hawaii – 83

LIHUE, KAUAI – 78
HILO AIRPORT – 72

Precipitation Totals – The following numbers represent the largest precipitation totals (inches) during the last 24 hours (as of Wednesday morning) on each of the major islands:

Weather Chart – Here’s the latest (automatically updated) weather map…showing weak high pressure centers located to the north, NE and east of our islands Wednesday. The combined efforts of these high pressure cells will give us light to locally moderate trade winds through Thursday…locally gusty during the afternoon hours.  Here’s a Weather Map Symbol page for clarification about what all those weather symbols mean on the map.

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 available during the daylight hours here in the islands…and when there’s a big moon rising just after sunset for an hour or two! Plus, during the nights and early mornings you will be able to see stars, and the sunrise too…depending upon cloud conditions.

Satellite Images – To view the cloud conditions we have here in Hawaii, please use the following satellite links, starting off with the Infrared Satellite Image of the islands to see all the clouds around the state during the day and night. This next image is one that gives close images of the islands only during the daytime hours, and is referred to as a Close-up visible image. This next 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.

Tropical Cyclone Activity – The eastern Pacific hurricane season runs from May 15 through November 30…while the central Pacific (where Hawaii is) runs from June 1 through November 30. The latest storm information for the eastern Pacific can be found by clicking here. A storm tracking map for both the central and eastern areas can be found by clicking here . For the central Pacific, the latest storm information can be found by clicking here.

 

The beauty of Maui’s east coast
Photo Credit: flikr.com

The trade winds remain quite light again today, blowing in the light to locally moderate range. A far away 1023 millibar high pressure system, located offshore from the Washington state coast now…is too far away to provide much more than light-moderately strong trade winds, although a little gusty along the windward sides during the afternoon hours. The latest forecast shows them calming down again by the upcoming weekend, as an early season kona low pressure system forms to our north. Our winds may eventually turn to the SE as that low sets up shop in our vicinity.

The meteorological dynamics are in place to cause locally heavy showers today, although it should remain spotty. An overhead trough of low pressure is keeping our local atmosphere rather shower prone at the moment. During the last 24 hours we’ll seen some locally heavy rain falling here and there, although this hasn’t been a widespread event. It appears that we have another day, that will have the potential for pretty good showers along the windward sides, and around the mountains. We may see some locally heavy showers, or even a thundershower developing over the interior parts of the islands too.

The latest computer forecast models show conditions improving, or returning to a more normal trade wind weather pattern later Wednesday through Friday. Those same models are still wanting to develop a rather deep low pressure system to our north later this weekend into early next week. It’s placement may qualify it for the title Kona Low, which could bring in another round of showers then. It’s still a little too early to get all worked up over this prospect… although the models have been quite persistent for the last several days.

It’s early Tuesday evening here in Kula, Maui, as I start writing this sunset commentary.  Looking at the latest satellite images, we see lots of high and middle level clouds streaming up over the islands from the deeper tropics…check out this satellite image.  Today looked a lot like what I think of as a tropical winter day, except it wasn’t the slightest bit cool. Case in point, the Kahului airport here on Maui reached 87F degrees for a maximum temperature. As I looked the Haleakala Crater from Kihei at one point during the afternoon, I could see lots of rain falling, although none of it made it down towards the coast. As I was driving home from work, looking across the slopes as I was driving up the Haleakala Highway, I could see that all that was left of the clouds were the high and middle levels ones, which kept sunshine to a bare minimum today by the way. There was one small patch of low clouds hugging the side of the mountain, making for a little foggy area…and as it turned out, was centered right in the area where I live. That patch cleared out right away though, making way for a very brief colorfully pink sunset, which disappeared almost as quickly as it appeared! It was lovely to have a cloudy day, after a summer’s worth of almost constant sunny days this summer. I hope you had a good Tuesday, and that you have a pleasant Tuesday night too. I’ll be back dark and early Wednesday morning with your next narrative from paradise. Aloha for now…Glenn.

I want to highlight another of the great advertisers on my website today, this time it’s Adventure in Hawaii.  "Maps, information on snorkeling, best luau seats, waterfall tours, and more."

September 25-26 2006

Air Temperatures – The following maximum temperatures were recorded across Hawaii Monday:

Lihue, Kauai – 84F
Honolulu, Oahu – 87
Kaneohe, Oahu – 84
Kahului, Maui – 87
Hilo, Hawaii – 82
Kailua-Kona, Hawaii – 84

LIHUE, KAUAI – 77
HILO AIRPORT – 73

Precipitation Totals – The following numbers represent the largest precipitation totals (inches) during the last 24 hours (as of Tuesday morning) on each of the major islands:

Weather Chart – Here’s the latest (automatically updated) weather map…showing a weak 1023 millibar high pressure center located far to the NE of our islands Tuesday…located offshore from Washington state. This high is too far away to give us more than light to locally moderate trade winds through Wednesday…locally gusty during the afternoon hours.  Here’s a Weather Map Symbol page for clarification about what all those weather symbols mean on the map.

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 available during the daylight hours here in the islands…and when there’s a big moon rising just after sunset for an hour or two! Plus, during the nights and early mornings you will be able to see stars, and the sunrise too…depending upon cloud conditions.

Satellite Images – To view the cloud conditions we have here in Hawaii, please use the following satellite links, starting off with the Infrared Satellite Image of the islands to see all the clouds around the state during the day and night. This next image is one that gives close images of the islands only during the daytime hours, and is referred to as a Close-up visible image. This next 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.

Tropical Cyclone Activity – The eastern Pacific hurricane season runs from May 15 through November 30…while the central Pacific (where Hawaii is) runs from June 1 through November 30. The latest storm information for the eastern Pacific can be found by clicking here. A storm tracking map for both the central and eastern areas can be found by clicking here . For the central Pacific, the latest storm information can be found by clicking here.

 

Beautiful rainbow on a windward beach
Photo Credit: flikr.com

There’s little change expected in the trade wind speeds through Tuesday. A mild mannered 1023 millibar high pressure system far to the NE, is now too far away to provide much more than light-moderately strong trade winds, although a little gusty still along the windward sides during the afternoon hours. The latest forecast has these trade winds picking up some Wednesday through Friday, only to calm down again by the upcoming weekend, as an early season kona low pressure system forms near the state of Hawaii.

We’ll see some windward showers falling, and a few afternoon upcountry showers now too. The leeward sides may see a few showers locally as well, especially over the Kona slopes on the Big Island, and along the Haleakala slopes of Maui during the afternoons. We will see somewhat heavier showers around now, although still spotty in nature, as an upper trough of low pressure is nearby.  This upper level trough will destabilize our overlying atmosphere enough that we could even see a thunderstorm popping-up around the Big Island of Hawaii over the next several days.

It’s early Monday evening here in Kula, Maui, as I start writing this sunset commentary.  Wow, what a perfectly beautiful sunset we just had! The high cirrus clouds came alive with a blazing pink color.  I sat outside on my weather deck and soaked it in, reveling in its glory. Just down the hill from here I could hear a Cock Pheasant calling out, probably for his mate, or perhaps just announcing his pleasure with the sunset! That’s one of the things I love about living upcountry, are the million dollar views, and often the prettiest sunsets around too. Interestingly enough, those high clouds might have helped limit the expected heavy afternoon showers. The Big Island got some good rain today, although it hasn’t made it up across the rest of the state yet. I’m still expecting an increasing amount of showers over the next day or two. When we look further ahead, the models are now indicating a kona type low pressure system forming around the weekend into early next week, when we could see another increase in showery weather then. I got to the beach at lunch today, and found it relatively deserted, with much fewer folks partaking in the oceanic pleasures than during the high summer months. The air and water was nice and warm, and there were still a few small waves to bodysurf. I hope you have a great Monday night! I’ll be back very early Tuesday morning, as is my practice, with your next tropical weather narrative from paradise. Aloha for now…Glenn.

I want to highlight another of the great advertisers on my website today, this time it’s Beach Guide.  "Maui Beach Guide – A comprehensive guide to Maui’s beaches, including webcams"

September 24-25 2006

Air Temperatures – The following maximum temperatures were recorded across Hawaii Sunday:

Lihue, Kauai – 83F
Honolulu, Oahu – 85
Kaneohe, Oahu – 83
Kahului, Maui – 87
Hilo, Hawaii – 83
Kailua-Kona, Hawaii – 86

LIHUE, KAUAI – 77
KAHULUI AIRPORT – 72

Precipitation Totals – The following numbers represent the largest precipitation totals (inches) during the last 24 hours (as of Monday morning) on each of the major islands:

Weather Chart – Here’s the latest (automatically updated) weather map…showing a weaker 1021 millibar high pressure center located far to the NE of our islands Monday. This high is too far away to give us more than light to locally moderate trade winds through Tuesday…locally gusty during the afternoon hours.  Here’s a Weather Map Symbol page for clarification about what all those weather symbols mean on the map.

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 available during the daylight hours here in the islands…and when there’s a big moon rising just after sunset for an hour or two! Plus, during the nights and early mornings you will be able to see stars, and the sunrise too…depending upon cloud conditions.

Satellite Images – To view the cloud conditions we have here in Hawaii, please use the following satellite links, starting off with the Infrared Satellite Image of the islands to see all the clouds around the state during the day and night. This next image is one that gives close images of the islands only during the daytime hours, and is referred to as a Close-up visible image. This next 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.

Tropical Cyclone Activity – The eastern Pacific hurricane season runs from May 15 through November 30…while the central Pacific (where Hawaii is) runs from June 1 through November 30. The latest storm information for the eastern Pacific can be found by clicking here. A storm tracking map for both the central and eastern areas can be found by clicking here . For the central Pacific, the latest storm information can be found by clicking here.

 

Early Autumn in the tropics…late in the day
Photo Credit: flikr.com

The light-moderately strong trade wind regime will remain in place today into Monday. A weaker 1027 millibar high pressure system, far to the NE, is now too far away to provide much more than light-moderately strong trade winds, although perhaps moderately strong along the windward sides of the southern islands. The latest forecast has these trade winds at about the same levels through Tuesday, then picking up some Wednesday through Friday, only to calm down again by next weekend, as an early season cold front approaches the the state of Hawaii.

We’ll see some windward showers, and a few afternoon upcountry showers now too. The leeward sides may see a few showers locally too, especially over the Kona slopes on the Big Island, and along the Haleakala slopes during the afternoons. We may see somewhat heavier showers now, although still spotty in nature, as an upper trough of low pressure edges in our direction…except along the Big Island’s windward side, where satellite imagery shows more numerous showers arriving. Conditions should return to normal again Tuesday through Friday, then potentially become a little wetter again by next weekend as the winds getting lighter, and we might see an increase in afternoon showers then.

It’s early Sunday evening here in Kula, Maui, as I start writing this sunset commentary.  I didn’t set foot off this property today, and barely outside the house if the truth be told. I washed two loads of laundry, hung out on the line to dry. Washed my car, fed the cats, wondered out on my weather deck to check on the weather conditions a few times, limited though it was…with clouds and misty weather around much of the day. I added a can of organic diced tomatoes to the vegetable soup I made last evening, that and read most of the rest of the day. It was a day filled with the most pleasurable lounging, laying low, recouperating from yesterday’s very long surfing session on the Lahaina side. I’m sipping on a glass of red wine, Malbec is the type of grape, and listening to gentle piano music. Perhaps it should be Hawaiian music, but somehow it just isn’t. I feel deeply relaxed and well with life, ok with how things are, despite all the ongoing injustices that continue happening in the larger world view. It’s wonderful to lead an active life, and yet have the opportunity to pull back once in a while, shut down the jet engines so to speak, just deeply mellow-out for a day here and there. At the same time, I’m already looking forward to jump starting myself back into the work mode early Monday morning, at which point I’ll meet you back here. I trust you will have a pleasant Sunday night wherever you happen to be spending it. Aloha for now…Glenn.

I want to highlight another of the great advertisers on my website today, this time it’s Dozzizart of Maui.  "Surf Art by Michael Nardozzi"

September 23-24 2006

Air Temperatures – The following maximum temperatures were recorded across Hawaii Saturday:

Lihue, Kauai – 83F
Honolulu, Oahu – 84
Kaneohe, Oahu – 84
Kahului, Maui – 91
Hilo, Hawaii – 84
Kailua-Kona, Hawaii – 86

KANEOHE, OAHU – 77
KAHULUI AIRPORT – 65

Precipitation Totals – The following numbers represent the largest precipitation totals (inches) during the last 24 hours (as of Sunday morning) on each of the major islands:

Weather Chart – Here’s the latest (automatically updated) weather map…showing a weaker 1027 millibar high pressure center located far to the NE of our islands Sunday. This high is too far away to give us more than light to locally moderate trade winds through Monday.  Here’s a Weather Map Symbol page for clarification about what all those weather symbols mean on the map.

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 available during the daylight hours here in the islands…and when there’s a big moon rising just after sunset for an hour or two! Plus, during the nights and early mornings you will be able to see stars, and the sunrise too…depending upon cloud conditions.

Satellite Images – To view the cloud conditions we have here in Hawaii, please use the following satellite links, starting off with the Infrared Satellite Image of the islands to see all the clouds around the state during the day and night. This next image is one that gives close images of the islands only during the daytime hours, and is referred to as a Close-up visible image. This next 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.

Tropical Cyclone Activity – The eastern Pacific hurricane season runs from May 15 through November 30…while the central Pacific (where Hawaii is) runs from June 1 through November 30. The latest storm information for the eastern Pacific can be found by clicking here. A storm tracking map for both the central and eastern areas can be found by clicking here . For the central Pacific, the latest storm information can be found by clicking here.

 

The perfect colors
Photo Credit: flikr.com

We’ll see lighter trade winds blowing in Hawaii now, at least compared to what we’ve seen during the last week. A 1033 millibar high pressure system, far to the NE, is now moving away from our islands. The pressure gradient between this high pressure cell, and low pressure to our south…will relax enough to provide a light to moderately strong trade wind flow across Hawaii today into Sunday. The latest forecast has these trade winds blowing steadily through at least the middle of next week.

We’ll see some windward showers, and a few afternoon upcountry showers now too. The windward sections will see the bulk of whatever showers that are around as usual. The leeward sides may see a few showers locally too, especially over the Kona slopes on the Big Island, and along the Haleakala slopes during the afternoons. We may see an increase in whatever showers that are around this weekend, as a trough of low pressure edges in our direction.

It’s early Saturday evening here in Kula, Maui, as I start writing this pre-sunset commentary.  I’m still a little buzzed by the great film I saw last evening, called The Illusionist, and the good dancing I was able to do afterwards in Paia. Today was one of my best surfing experiences in a long time! I was out in the water four hours, surfing very actively the whole time. The waves were larger than I thought that they were going to be, and the water was totally smooth, with a distinct lack of winds. There was a very mellow crowd out in the water, with everyone involved at least good, and many very good surfers. As I drove home, I stopped in Kahului for some shopping and lunch, then to Makawao for food, and finally back here to Kula, where I’ve been relaxing and trying to regain some energy. I made a big pot of organic vegetable soup late this afternoon, which I’ll be able to heat up each evening for dinner. I’ll also have tortillas and cheese with avocado along side a big bowl of the delicious soup each night. I plan on getting up early Sunday morning, and taking the trek over to the Lahaina side again, although I may not last for so many hours in the surf line up this time!  I hope you have a great Saturday night, I’ll be back early to update my website again then. Aloha for now…Glenn.

I want to highlight another of the great advertisers on my website today, this time it’s Hana Botanicals – Island Gifts.  "Candles, bath & body products, finest ingredients, Created on Maui"

September 22-23 2006

Air Temperatures – The following maximum temperatures were recorded across Hawaii Friday:

Lihue, Kauai – 84F
Honolulu, Oahu – 88
Kaneohe, Oahu – 84
Kahului, Maui – 88
Hilo, Hawaii – 84
Kailua-Kona, Hawaii – 85

KANEOHE, OAHU – 77
HILO AIRPORT – 65

Precipitation Totals – The following numbers represent the largest precipitation totals (inches) during the last 24 hours (as of Saturday morning) on each of the major islands:

Weather Chart – Here’s the latest (automatically updated) weather map…showing a large and strong 1033 millibar high pressure center located far to the NE of our islands Saturday…which is moving away to the NE. This high and its ridge will keep light to locally moderate trade winds blowing across the state through Sunday and beyond. Here’s a Weather Map Symbol page for clarification about what all those weather symbols mean on the map.

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 available during the daylight hours here in the islands…and when there’s a big moon rising just after sunset for an hour or two! Plus, during the nights and early mornings you will be able to see stars, and the sunrise too…depending upon cloud conditions.

Satellite Images – To view the cloud conditions we have here in Hawaii, please use the following satellite links, starting off with the Infrared Satellite Image of the islands to see all the clouds around the state during the day and night. This next image is one that gives close images of the islands only during the daytime hours, and is referred to as a Close-up visible image. This next 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.

Tropical Cyclone Activity – The eastern Pacific hurricane season runs from May 15 through November 30…while the central Pacific (where Hawaii is) runs from June 1 through November 30. The latest storm information for the eastern Pacific can be found by clicking here. A storm tracking map for both the central and eastern areas can be found by clicking here . For the central Pacific, the latest storm information can be found by clicking here.

 

The Autumnal Equinox occurs today
Photo Credit: flikr.com

The trade winds will finally start to soften a little in strength today, remaining lighter than they have been this week…through the weekend. A 1032 millibar high pressure system remains anchored in place far to the NE of our islands. The pressure gradient between this high pressure cell, and low pressure to our south…will provide a light to moderately strong trade wind flow across Hawaii today into Saturday. The latest forecast has these trade winds blowing steadily through at least the middle of next week, picking back up into the more solid moderately strong realms Monday. 

Trade wind showers have been falling at times, as the brisk winds carry moisture pockets our way. The windward sections will see the bulk of whatever showers that are around. The leeward sides may see a few showers locally, and along the Kona slopes on the Big Island in the afternoons. We may see a slight increase windward showers, and in afternoon showers around the mountains this weekend, as a trough of low pressure edges in our direction.

It’s late Friday afternoon here in Kihei, Maui, as I start writing this update to today’s narrative.  Yet another in a long series of good days, in terms of weather occurred here in Hawaii. The stiff trade wind breezes of late have moderated a tad, just enough in fact to take the edge of their blustery nature. The sun was out in most places, as the last day summer faded into the very most moments of our autumn season. As you can see from the picture up the page, I’m indulging my great love Aspen trees, putting it over the usual beautiful picture of Hawaiian places…in celebration of the turning of the seasons. I’m just about off work, finishing up another good week of weather work here at the Pacific Disaster Center, where I’m the staff meteorologist. I’ll soon be driving over to Borders Books for my customary brief stop to look at a few of the new books and magazines. Then it’s on to a new film called The Illusionist, which is getting good reviews. Eisenheim (Edward Norton) is a stage magician who amazes the audiences of turn-of-the-century Vienna, drawing the attention of Crown Prince Leopold (Rufus Sewell). When the Prince’s intended wife, Sophie von Teschen (Jessica Biel), assists the magician onstage, Eisenheim and Sophie recognize each other from their childhoods — and a dormant love affair is rekindled. I’ll let you know what I thought of it early Saturday morning, when I come back online with the next narrative, and before I head out early for a surfing session on the Lahaina side. I hope you have a lovely first night of autumn! Aloha for now…Glenn.

I want to highlight another of the great advertisers on my website today, this time it’s Hawaiian Music from Maui.  "Celebrating the spirit of Hawaii"

September 20-21 2006

Air Temperatures – The following maximum temperatures were recorded across Hawaii Wednesday:

Lihue, Kauai – 85F
Honolulu, Oahu – 86
Kaneohe, Oahu – 84
Kahului, Maui – 90
Hilo, Hawaii – 83
Kailua-Kona, Hawaii – 84

KANEOHE, OAHU – 78
HILO AIRPORT – 70

Precipitation Totals – The following numbers represent the largest precipitation totals (inches) during the last 24 hours (as of Thursday morning) on each of the major islands:

Weather Chart – Here’s the latest (automatically updated) weather map…showing a large and strong 1034 millibar high pressure center located to the NE of our islands Thursday. This high will keep strong and gusty trade winds blowing across the state Thursday…gradually getting lighter Friday. Here’s a Weather Map Symbol page for clarification about what all those weather symbols mean on the map.

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 available during the daylight hours here in the islands…and when there’s a big moon rising just after sunset for an hour or two! Plus, during the nights and early mornings you will be able to see stars, and the sunrise too…depending upon cloud conditions.

Satellite Images – To view the cloud conditions we have here in Hawaii, please use the following satellite links, starting off with the Infrared Satellite Image of the islands to see all the clouds around the state during the day and night. This next image is one that gives close images of the islands only during the daytime hours, and is referred to as a Close-up visible image. This next 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.

Tropical Cyclone Activity – The eastern Pacific hurricane season runs from May 15 through November 30…while the central Pacific (where Hawaii is) runs from June 1 through November 30. The latest storm information for the eastern Pacific can be found by clicking here. A storm tracking map for both the central and eastern areas can be found by clicking here . For the central Pacific, the latest storm information can be found by clicking here.

 

Sandy beach on the Big Island…there aren’t that many 
Photo Credit: flikr.com

The recent episode of strong and gusty trade winds will continue Wednesday. A large 1032 millibar high pressure system is located to the NE of our islands. The pressure gradient between this high pressure cell, and low pressure to our south…will cause a blustery trade wind flow across Hawaii for another day or two. These unusually strong and gusty trade winds will begin to ease up a little during the second half of the week.  The trades are strong enough now that we have an active small craft advisory over all Hawaiian waters.

These strong trade winds are carrying some showers to the islands, although nothing out of the ordinary. The windward sections will see those showers arriving mostly during the night and early morning hours. The leeward sides will likely remain quite dry, although there may be a few afternoon or early evening showers falling along the Kona slopes on the Big Island. The weak tropical depression to the SSW of the islands will be too far away to provide any moisture. In sum, nothing unusual in terms of precipitation through the rest of this week…although we may see a slight increase in showers over the weekend, as a trough of low pressure approaches.