2008


April 7-8 2008

Air Temperatures
The following maximum temperatures were recorded across the state of Hawaii Monday: 

Lihue, Kauai – 78
Honolulu, Oahu – 84
Kaneohe, Oahu – 79
Kahului, Maui – 79
Hilo, Hawaii – 79 
K
ailua-Kona, Hawaii – 82

Temperatures 
ranged between these warmest and coolest spots near sea level at 4 p.m. Monday evening:

Barking Sands, Kauai – 80F
Kaneohe, Oahu – 76   

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

0.49 MOUNT WAIALEALE, KAUAI
0.31
NIU VALLEY, OAHU
0.36 MOLOKAI
0.00 LANAI
0.11 KAHOOLAWE
1.28
PUU KUKUI, MAUI
0.39
HONOKAA, BIG ISLAND

Weather Chart – Here’s the latest (automatically updated) weather map.A 1031 millibar high pressure system is located to the north of Hawaii, with a trough of low pressure to the east, moving westward. The winds will gradually become east, then ESE to SE Tuesday and lighter.

Satellite and Radar 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. 

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.


Aloha Paragraphs



The image “http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1030/545071782_cdf52719f6.jpg?v=0” cannot be displayed, because it contains errors.
North coast of Kauai
Photo Credit: flikr.com


Our weather will be turning a little warmer, as our winds turn east to southeast now. The latest weather map shows a 1031 millibar high pressure system to the north, and a trough of low pressure just to the east. The trough will move over the islands Tuesday through Wednesday…ending up to the west of Kauai by Thursday. This migration of the trough across Hawaii, will cause lighter winds from the east and southeast, then stronger trade winds will return Thursday into next weekend.

There will be a localized increase in showers…as the trough of low pressure moves across the state. As this trough moves over the state Tuesday into Wednesday, our overlying atmosphere will become less stable, and more shower prone. Therefore, we can look for increased showers Monday night through Wednesday…a few of which could be locally heavy. As the trade winds return Thursday, we’ll see most of the shower activity occurring along the windward coasts and slopes.

It’s Monday evening as I begin updating this last paragraph of today’s narrative.
The long lasting low pressure system, which has been meandering around in the area NE of Hawaii, has started to shift westward now. This low has kept our local winds coming in from the NE, which has caused cool and breezy conditions. As this low, which has become a trough Monday evening, moves over us…our local winds will take on a more easterly, or even southeasterly orientation. This will bring warmer air into the Aloha state. ~~~ Meanwhile, during the second half of the week, a new upper low pressure will arrive in the area NW of the state. The counterclockwise air circulation around that low, will dip into the deep tropics to our SW, drawing up varying amounts of high cirrus clouds over the islands…muting our Hawaiian sunshine during the days. At the same time, the cold air aloft will continue the enhancement of incoming showers, taking aim on the windward sides, likely through the rest of the week. ~~~ So, in sum, warmer weather soon, with some increase in showers through mid-week, then stronger trade winds and sun dimming and filtering high clouds during the second half of the week…along with continued windward biased showers. ~~~ Monday was a nice day, a day in between the periodic shower bands that have been arriving across the state during the last week…with lots of sunshine just about everywhere. The winds were still coming out of the NE, so that there was still a little cool air around, with most sea level locations almost getting to 80F degrees. The Honolulu airport was the hot spot for the day, reaching all the way to a warm 84F degrees. ~~~ I’ll be back again very early Tuesday morning with your next new weather narrative. I hope you have a great Monday night until then! Aloha for now…Glenn. 

Interesting: If any country can claim to be pitched on the global warming front line, it may be the North Atlantic island nation of Iceland.  On a purely physical level, this land of icecaps and volcanoes and home to 300,000 people is undergoing a rapid transformation as its glaciers melt and weather patterns change dramatically. But global warming is also having a profound effect on Iceland economically — and in many ways the effects have actually been beneficial.  Warmer weather has been a boon to Iceland‘s hydroelectric industry, which is producing more energy than before as melting glaciers feed its rivers.  Climate change, stoked by human use of fossil fuels, has also focused attention on Iceland‘s energy innovations and created demand for its ideas and expertise in fields such as geothermal energy and fuel technology. 

Scientists from Africa to the Americas are exploring what Icelandic universities and energy researchers are up to. And foreign companies are teaming up with the small island’s firms.  Two-thirds of electricity in Iceland is already derived from renewable sources — its plentiful rivers and waterfalls and the geothermal heat that warms 90 percent of Iceland‘s houses.  Some observers say forward-thinking comes naturally on an island where climate change can already be seen in thawing ice and balmier winters.  "People are already now planning for a future that will be different from the past," said Tomas Johannesson, a geophysicist at the Icelandic Meteorological Office.

April 6-7 2008

Air Temperatures
The following maximum temperatures were recorded across the state of Hawaii Sunday: 

Lihue, Kauai – 80
Honolulu, Oahu – 82
Kaneohe, Oahu – 78
Kahului, Maui – 79
Hilo, Hawaii – 80 
K
ailua-Kona, Hawaii – 83

Temperatures 
ranged between these warmest and coolest spots near sea level at 5 p.m. Sunday evening:

Barking Sands, Kauai – 83F
Molokai airport – 71   

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

0.73 MOUNT WAIALEALE, KAUAI
1.96
OAHU FOREST NWR, OAHU
0.38 MOLOKAI
0.01 LANAI
0.00 KAHOOLAWE
0.77
PUU KUKUI, MAUI
0.05
KAHUKU RANCH, BIG ISLAND

Weather Chart – Here’s the latest (automatically updated) weather map. A 1030 millibar high pressure system is located to the north of Hawaii, with a weakening low pressure system located to the ENE. The winds will come in from the NE direction…gradually becoming ENE and east, then ESE to SE Tuesday and lighter.

Satellite and Radar 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. 

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.


Aloha Paragraphs


The image “http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1301/1370503950_d14112d309.jpg?v=0” cannot be displayed, because it contains errors.
Moloa’a Mountains on Kauai…with a shower
Photo Credit: flikr.com


The locally brisk and cool NNE to northeast winds, will continue to bring a slight tropical chill to the Hawaiian Islands Sunday evening into Monday. The latest weather map shows more or less the same configuration we’ve seen the last several days, with a 1032 millibar high pressure to the north, and a low pressure system just to the northeast. Air temperatures will remain slightly on the cool side into Monday. The low pressure cell mentioned above, will open up into a trough, and move over the islands later Monday through Wednesday. This in turn will cause lighter winds, then stronger trade winds will return Thursday into next weekend.

There will be occasional showers carried our way on the northeast winds, falling most frequently along the north and east facing coasts and slopes. The leeward beaches for the most part will remain quite nice, although cloudier than normal at times. As a trough of low pressure moves over the state later Monday into Tuesday, our overlying atmosphere will become less stable, and more shower prone. Therefore, we can look for increased showers Monday night through Wednesday…a few could be locally heavy. Drier and improved weather should return during the second half of the week. 

It’s Sunday evening as I begin updating this last paragraph of today’s narrative.
This weekend was very changeable, alternating between clear to cloudy, and dry and then locally wet. The winds have remained from the NE direction, keeping a slightly cool edge of our local weather. ~~~ As we move into the new week, our winds will be turning turn from the NE, back to an easterly or even ESE direction. This will take the edge off the cool weather we’ve seen recently. ~~~ The culprit for the expected weather change will be the low pressure system, now to the NE of Hawaii…moving towards, and then over the islands. Here’s a looping satellite image of that low, which is expected to bring the wind change, and the chance for increased showers. Obviously, we’ll be paying close attention to this low pressure area, as it brings its shower bearing area of clouds our way. As usual, the bulk of the showers will take aim on the windward coasts and slopes, although the leeward areas could be on the receiving end of some of these showers too. This is good news, as the islands need the moisture. Looking further ahead, weather conditions will likely take a turn for the better by Thursday, and remain drier then through the end of the week. ~~~ Sunday was one of those days that saw incoming cloud bands, which continue to peel off the southwest flank of the low pressure system to our NE. These clouds brought showers generally from Kauai down through Maui, leaving the Big island alone for the most part. I’m in my Kula, Maui weather tower typing these words, accompanied by the sounds of my wind chimes. The winds have been locally quite brisk today, carrying mist over from the windward side at times. Looking out my windows, there’s a nice rainbow arching across the sky to the east. ~~~ I’ll be back very early Monday morning with your next new weather narrative. I hope you have a great Sunday night until then, wherever you happen to be spending it! Aloha for now…Glenn. 

April 5-6 2008

Air Temperatures
The following maximum temperatures were recorded across the state of Hawaii Saturday: 

Lihue, Kauai – 79
Honolulu, Oahu – 81
Kaneohe, Oahu – 79
Kahului, Maui – 77
Hilo, Hawaii – 78 
K
ailua-Kona, Hawaii – 83

Temperatures 
ranged between these warmest and coolest spots near sea level at 4 p.m. Saturday afternoon:

Kailua-kona – 81F
Molokai airport – 73   

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

0.81 MOUNT WAIALEALE, KAUAI
0.11
POAMOHO, OAHU
0.15 MOLOKAI
0.05 LANAI
0.00 KAHOOLAWE
0.06
PUU KUKUI, MAUI
0.09
KAMUELA UPPER
, BIG ISLAND

Weather Chart – Here’s the latest (automatically updated) weather map. A 1032 millibar high pressure system is located to the north of Hawaii, with a weakening low pressure system located to the ENE. The winds will come in from the NE direction…gradually becoming ENE and east into Monday.

Satellite and Radar 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. 

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.


Aloha Paragraphs


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Tropical setting on Kauai
Photo Credit: flikr.com


The locally brisk and cool NNE to northeast winds, will continue to bring a slight tropical chill to the Hawaiian Islands for the time being. The latest weather map shows more or less the same configuration we’ve seen the last several days, with a 1032 millibar high pressure to the north, and a  low pressure system just to the east-northeast Saturday evening. Air temperatures will remain slightly on the cool side Sunday. The low pressure cell mentioned above, will open up into a trough, and move over the islands Monday through Wednesday. This in turn will cause lighter winds, until mid-week…when stronger trade winds will return.

There will be a few showers carried our way on the northeast winds, falling most frequently along the north and east facing coasts and slopes. The overlying atmosphere remains quite dry and stable however, which will help to limit shower production temporarily. The leeward beaches for the most part will remain sunny to partly cloudy during the days, and dry. As a trough of low pressure moves over the state Monday, our overlying atmosphere will become less stable, and more shower prone. Therefore, we can look for increased showers Monday through Wednesday…a few could locally heavy. Drier and improved weather should return through the second half of the week. 

It’s Saturday evening as I begin updating this last paragraph of today’s narrative.
If you had a chance to read down through the two paragraphs above, you know that we have a change in weather coming up as we move into the new week ahead. This weekend is turning out to be fabulous though, with incredibly sunny skies prevailing during the days, and clear, star filled skies at night. Sunday will remain favorably inclined weatherwise, likely comparable to the pristine conditions of Saturday! ~~~ As we move into the new week, our winds will turn from the current NNE to NE cool breezes, back to easterly and even all the way around to the ESE. This will take the edge off the cool weather we’ve seen the last few days. ~~~ The culprit for the expected weather change will be caused by a low pressure system, now to the NE of Hawaii…moving towards, and perhaps even over the islands right after the weekend. Here’s a looping satellite image of that low, which is expected to bring lighter winds, and the chance for increased showers. Obviously, we’ll be paying close attention to this low pressure cell, to see if it in fact, as the computer forecast models suggest, comes our way. ~~~ A friend has invited me to take a walk out in the country soon, and throw something on her bbq, along with a glass of fine red wine afterwards. The weather is so perfect, it seems like good idea to get outside and stretch my legs. I hope you have a great Saturday night wherever you happen to be spending it! I’ll be back Sunday morning with your next new weather narrative. Aloha for now…Glenn. 

April 4-5 2008

Air Temperatures
The following maximum temperatures were recorded across the state of Hawaii Friday: 

Lihue, Kauai – 78
Honolulu, Oahu – 81
Kaneohe, Oahu – 77
Kahului, Maui – 77
Hilo, Hawaii – 77 
K
ailua-Kona, Hawaii – 82

Temperatures 
ranged between these warmest and coolest spots near sea level at 4 p.m. Friday afternoon:

Kailua-kona – 81F
Molokai airport – 73   

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

0.24 MOUNT WAIALEALE, KAUAI
0.05
MANOA LYON ARBORETUM, OAHU
0.08 MOLOKAI
0.00 LANAI
0.00 KAHOOLAWE
0.29
WEST WAILUAIKI, MAUI
0.19
GLENWOOD
, BIG ISLAND

Weather Chart – Here’s the latest (automatically updated) weather map. A 1032 millibar high pressure system is located to the north of Hawaii, with a low pressure system located to the NE. The winds will come in from the NE direction through the next several days.

Satellite and Radar 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. 

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.


Aloha Paragraphs


The image “http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2355/1697618933_9aa1cf2aa9.jpg?v=0” cannot be displayed, because it contains errors.
The look and feel of Kauai
Photo Credit: flikr.com


The locally brisk and cool northeast winds, will continue to bring a slight tropical chill to the Hawaiian Islands for the time being.The latest weather map shows more or less the same configuration we’ve seen the last several days, with a  1032 millibar high pressure to the north, and a 1015 millibar low pressure system just to the northeast. Air temperatures will still be able to rise well up into the upper 70F’s at most sea level locations, with those wind protected areas topping the 80F degree level locally. The winds will be strong enough, that the wind chill factor will be at work, keeping that little edge of coolness around into the weekend…especially in shaded areas. As the winds finally turn more easterly, which will happen in a couple of days…our weather will warm up again, by Monday more than likely.

There will be a few showers carried our way on the northeast winds, falling most frequently along the north and east facing coasts and slopes. The overlying atmosphere remains quite dry and stable however, which will help to limit shower production. The leeward beaches for the most part will remain sunny to partly cloudy during the days, and dry. There don’t appear to be any significant rain events on our weather horizon. As this looping satellite image shows, the low pressure system to the northeast, both at the surface and aloft, continues to spin out fairly minor cloud band our way. There have been at least three distinct bands that have brought increased showers, although they move through quickly, leaving fine weather between their arrivals.

It’s Friday evening as I begin updating this last paragraph of today’s narrative.
The springtime cool snap, again in a tropical sense, continues. Our local winds have been arriving from the northeast directions. This brings air from more poleward latitudes, which is of course cooler than what we commonly find in the islands. During the days it will still be warm, although Hawaii’s residents will definitely notice that there is a slight chill to the air. Air temperatures will be 1-3 degrees cooler than normal during the day, and cooler than normal during the nights as well. ~~~ I’m about ready to leave Kihei, Maui, where the weather was simply lovely and warm Friday! I decided to see the new film called The Bank Job (2008). Inspired by the infamous 1971 robbery that took place at the Lloyds Bank in Marylebone London, The Bank Job stars Jason Statham (Transporter, Snatch, Crank, Italian Job) and Saffron Burrows. This highly-charged heist thriller tautly interweaves high-level corruption, murder and sexual scandal in 1970s England. The critics are fairly enthused about this film, giving it 78% acceptance points out of a possible 100. The trailer makes it look quite entertaining, so I’m hoping for an enjoyable evening at the theater. ~~~ I’ll be back early Saturday morning with not only your next new weather narrative from paradise, but also with my thoughts about the film. I hope you have a great Friday night until then! Aloha for now…Glenn. 

Interesting: Global temperatures will drop slightly this year as a result of the cooling effect of the La Nina current in the Pacific, UN meteorologists have said. The World Meteorological Organization’s secretary-general, Michel Jarraud, told the BBC it was likely that La Nina would continue into the summer. This would mean global temperatures have not risen since 1998, prompting some to question climate change theory. But experts say we are still clearly in a long-term warming trend – and they forecast a new record high temperature within five years. The WMO points out that the decade from 1998 to 2007 was the warmest on record. Since the beginning of the 20th Century, the global average surface temperature has risen by 0.74C. While Nasa, the US space agency, cites 2005 as the warmest year, the UK‘s Hadley Centre lists it as second to 1998. Researchers say the uncertainty in the observed value for any particular year is larger than these small temperature differences. What matters, they say, is the long-term upward trend.

Interesting2: The Kilauea volcanic vent continues its activity at two locations Friday. Pu’u ‘O’o, lava continues to flow into the ocean, treating visitors to a special sight. At the summit, Halema’uma’u continues emitting ash and sulfur dioxide. HVO reports that ash level concentration has been lower as the plume remained white most of yesterday & thru the night. HVO also reports that the sulfur dioxide level has steadily decreased over the last few days. Less than 50% of a week ago. Be aware that although emissions have decreased substantially, the level is still high enough to remain on the alert and cautious. HVO reports it is still too early to project if this downward trend will continue. Due to the continued volcanic emissions of sulfur dioxide and ash at Halema’uma’u and Pu’u ‘O’o, the following advisories are in effect: CODE YELLOW remains in effect for Pahala in the Ka’u district due to the higher levels of SO2 in the area. Yellow code recommends individuals sensitive to be aware and cautious and avoid outdoor activity. For others, potential health effects are not expected, but all should limit exposure to sulfur dioxide.

April 3-4 2008

Air Temperatures
The following maximum temperatures were recorded across the state of Hawaii Thursday: 

Lihue, Kauai – 78
Honolulu, Oahu – 80
Kaneohe, Oahu – 78
Kahului, Maui – 73
Hilo, Hawaii – 79 
K
ailua-Kona, Hawaii – 83

Temperatures 
ranged between these warmest and coolest spots near sea level at 4 p.m. Thursday afternoon:

Barking Sands, Kauai – 80F
Hilo, Hawaii – 71   

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

0.71 MOUNT WAIALEALE, KAUAI
0.54
MANOA LYON ARBORETUM, OAHU
0.22 MOLOKAI
0.03 LANAI
0.00 KAHOOLAWE
0.36
PUU KUKUI, MAUI
0.11
LAUPAHOEHOE
, BIG ISLAND

Weather Chart – Here’s the latest (automatically updated) weather map. A 1033 millibar high pressure system is located to the north of Hawaii, with a low pressure system located to the NE Friday. The winds will come in from the NE direction through the next several days.

Satellite and Radar 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. 

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.


Aloha Paragraphs


The image “http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1350/532857539_0e5d6d6a98.jpg?v=0” cannot be displayed, because it contains errors.
Windward Oahu
Photo Credit: flikr.com


The Hawaiian Islands are experiencing a tropical cool snap, which will give way to warmer air temperatures this weekend. The winds are coming into the state from a more northerly direction than normal now, which is the cause of our chilly weather. Air temperatures will be several degrees cooler than usual both during the days and at night for the time being.

As this weather map shows, we have a moderately strong 1034 millibar high pressure system to the NNW, which is spinning in a clockwise fashion. At the same time, we have a 1013 millibar low pressure system to the NNE, which in contrast, is rotating counterclockwise. This pressure configuration is bringing cooler air into our area. The northerly aspect to the winds will continue for several more days, so that our local weather will remain a little on the cool side into Saturday.
As we move into the weekend, our winds to clock around to the more customary easterly direction. 

Meanwhile, the tail-end of a cold front, called a shearline, brought clouds and showers to the windward sides of the islands Thursday. This cloud band didn’t bring heavy rain, although there were showers falling…mostly along the windward sides. This looping satellite image shows this band of clouds well moving over the Big Island late in the day…along with some high clouds edging our way from the west. There’s another line of clouds approaching, which may bring another batch of showers to the islands later Thursday night into Friday morning.

It’s Thursday evening as I begin updating this last paragraph of today’s narrative. As described above, our weather will be on the cool side of the temperature spectrum for the time being. The winds are locally gusty from the NNE-NE direction, and will remain that way Friday. ~~~ The latest cloud band, which brought showers to the primarily the windward sides last night into Thursday, had progressed down to the Big Island late in the day. This left rapidly clearing skies, with mostly sunny weather in most areas. The winds were rather gusty, even very strong and gusty in some isolated areas, like the southern part of the Big Island around Puna. These winds may calm down quite a bit during the night, which would allow temperatures to fall into the chilly realms. ~~~ Dew point temperatures were lower than usual, reading in the 50F’s Thursday evening…which will support the nighttime temperatures dipping into the 60F’s at sea level, perhaps even into the upper 50F’s in a few spots. It might be wise to grab an extra blanket before retiring tonight. ~~~ I’ll be back very early Friday morning with your next new weather narrative. I hope have a great Thursday night until then!  Aloha for now…Glenn. 

Interesting: Mexico City on Thursday banned cigarette smoking in all public places, from bars to office buildings, to reduce the amount of carcinogens inhaled by residents of the smog-filled capital. The city, home to some 18 million people in the metropolitan area, is the latest large city around the world to pass a smoking ban to improve public health and protect nonsmokers from secondary smoke. But not all Mexicans are happy about the prospect of smoke-free cantinas where tequila and cigarettes are traditionally enjoyed hand-in-hand. "Right now I’m fine, but later tonight — after a couple of drinks — I’m going to really want one," said 26-year-old Rodrigo Nunez, a smoker and government office worker playing a game of pool in a bar in the fashionable Condesa neighborhood on his lunch break. The law to ban smoking in all enclosed areas, from sidewalk cafes to public transportation to elevators and schools, was passed by the city assembly in November. Smokers who violate the ban can be fined between $50 and $300, with higher penalties for bar and restaurant owners who allow smoking.

Interesting2: An extensive fault that tracks the Pacific coast of North America from Canada to Northern California could trigger major quakes along California’s San Andreas Fault, a new study suggests. "The faults seem to be communicating with each other," said study leader Chris Goldfinger of Oregon State University. The evidence came from core samples of marine sediments taken along the northern California seabed. There, seismologists found 15 turbidites, sediment deposits that are created when an earthquake triggers an underwater landslide. The turbidites correspond to earthquakes along the San Andreas Fault, including the great 1906 earthquake that destroyed large parts of San Francisco. The study, detailed in the April issue of the Bulletin of the Seismological Society of America, revealed that 13 out of 15 of the San Andreas earthquakes in the past 3,000 years occurred at almost the same time (in geological terms) as quakes along the southern portion of the Cascadia fault. The Cascadia temblors preceded the ruptures along the San Andreas by an average of about 25 to 45 years (to seismologists who study events across millions and billions of years, that’s a close match. 

April 2-3 2008

Air Temperatures
The following maximum temperatures were recorded across the state of Hawaii Wednesday: 

Lihue, Kauai – 80
Honolulu, Oahu – 83
Kaneohe, Oahu – 78
Kahului, Maui – 77
Hilo, Hawaii – 77 
K
ailua-Kona, Hawaii – 83

Temperatures 
ranged between these warmest and coolest spots near sea level at 4 p.m. Wednesday afternoon:

Barking Sands, Kauai – 82F
Hilo, Hawaii – 72   

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

0.15 MOUNT WAIALEALE, KAUAI
0.72
OAHU FOREST NWR, OAHU
0.34 MOLOKAI
0.38 LANAI
0.00 KAHOOLAWE
0.76
PUU KUKUI, MAUI
0.37
HONAUNAU
, BIG ISLAND

Weather Chart – Here’s the latest (automatically updated) weather map. A 1034 millibar high pressure system is located to the north-northwest of Hawaii, with low pressure systems located to the NNE. The winds will come in from the NE and NNE through the next several days.

Satellite and Radar 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. 

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.


Aloha Paragraphs


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Crescent moon, Hawaii
Photo Credit: flikr.com


The Hawaiian Islands are getting a little touch of winter weather, as an old cold front, or more accurately the tail end of a cold front, brought localized clouds and showers to the islands recently. The winds behind this cloud band are coming in from a more northerly point on the compass, which is the cause of our cool snap…in a tropical sense of course. Air temperatures will be several degrees cooler today than anytime in the recent several weeks. This air is relatively dry as well, which is helping to add a little coolness to the air. Temperatures at sea level will have a difficult time reaching 80F degrees, although a few places, sheltered from the north to NE breezes may reach that threshold…or a degree or two above that.

As this weather map shows that we have a moderately strong 1034 millibar high pressure system to the NNW, which is spinning in a clockwise fashion. At the same time, we have a 1009 millibar low pressure system to the NNE, which is turning counterclockwise. The net result shows the isobars pointing southward towards the islands. This in turn is bringing cooler air into our tropical area. Satellite images show the next cloud band looming to the NE of Hawaii, which will bring in the next batch showers on Thursday. The northerly aspect to the winds will continue for several more days, so that our local weather will remain a little on the cool side into Friday.

As we move into the weekend, low to the NNW dissipate, allowing our winds to clock around to the more customary easterly direction. This will allow the temporary cool edge to be replaced by a warm flow of air. As the regular trade winds return, we will continue to see the occasional passing showers along our windward sides. Later this coming weekend, and perhaps continuing on into next week, an upper level trough of low pressure, with its associated cold air, may prompt the trade wind showers to be more frequent. The higher elevations on the Big Island may see a spring time dusting of new snow. As this Mauna Kea webcam shows, there is a bit of snow left from a winter storm of about a month ago.

It’s Wednesday evening as I begin updating this last paragraph of today’s narrative. As the three paragraphs above point out, we’re not having exactly normal springtime weather here in the islands. It should be pointed out however, that the month of April is often a transition period between winter to summer…with aspects of both showing up typically. At the present, it looks a bit more like winter, with a low pressure system to the NNE of Hawaii, spinning out weak cold fronts, or cloud bands southward in our direction. The next showery cloud band will arrive Thursday, with yet another on Friday. ~~~ Today was an interesting day here on Maui, as we had a major power outage. I understand that most of the island, if not all, had no power for several hours. Here in Kihei, the power has returned, which is probably true for the rest of the island late in the afternoon as well. Fortunately, where I work at the Pacific Disaster Center, we had backup power generators, which keep our computers running, so that we could continue to work. ~~~ I’ll be back with your next new weather narrative very early Thursday morning, that is if the power stays on upcountry. I hope you all have a pleasant Wednesday night until then!  Aloha for now…Glenn. 

Interesting: When parents think about their children’s exposure to environmental risks, they might think of lead, pesticides or grass pollens. In fact, the greatest environmental exposure for most children is television. They spend more time watching television than in any other wakeful activity, and it affects their health and well-being in significant ways.  For too long parents and even pediatricians have asked: "Is television good or bad?" Television is inherently neither; it’s time to move beyond such black or white thinking.  Television is a tool. Whether it is good or bad for children depends on what they watch and how they watch it.  Used carefully for children older than 2, TV need not have untoward effects at all. According to recent studies, it even can exert a positive influence.  By and large, however, it is not being used carefully. By and large, parents are clueless about the content and consequences of the media-saturated world their children inhabit.

Interesting2: Endurance events at the Beijing Olympics could pose a health risk if they are staged on heavily polluted days, the International Olympic Committee said on Wednesday, although it was prepared to reschedule such events. Hein Verbruggen, chairman of the IOC coordination commission, said there was a small chance of athletes suffering some damage to their health if they took part in events lasting longer than an hour, such as the marathon and cycling road races. Beijing is one of the most polluted cities in the world and, despite a $17.12 billion clean-up over the last decade, air quality remains a concern for many athletes coming to the Olympics, already a lightning rod for rights protests worldwide. "There can be a risk, but it’s not big, for endurance events that last longer than an hour," the Dutchman told Reuters on the sidelines of the final inspection of preparations for the August 8-24 Games.  "In that case, we are developing a Plan B. We might delay certain events for a couple of days. But to do that it must be very bad."  Organizers could face a dilemma if on the final day of competition pollution levels are too high to stage the men’s marathon.

Interesting3: The town of Pahala, 50 miles southwest of Hilo, experienced slightly elevated levels of sulfur dioxide gas from Halemaumau Crater during three days in March, according to data from the state Department of Health.  The method of reporting, a single number giving a 24-hour average, tends to downplay the worst of the gas, but Marya Schwabe, living in Wood Valley near Pahala, had no doubt about its unpleasant effects.  "It really was difficult to breathe," she said. For six to eight hours it was really intense, like smog in a city, she said. But she added, "It wasn’t all day."  Federal law requires the state to publish the number if the 24-hour average goes over 0.140 parts per million. On Sunday the reading was 0.181 ppm, followed by 0.154 ppm on Monday. The level also hit 0.149 ppm on March 19. Different standards for different time periods confuse the picture. In February, Hawaii Volcanoes National Park planned to let people drive through areas with 1 part per million, but had to close part of Crater Rim Drive when drivers stopped too long. This week, Hawaii County put out a brochure with danger levels expressed in a color code from green (minimal) to purple (possible evacuation). No numbers were included, but the brochure says sensitive people may be affected by even traces of the gas.

Interesting4: The noted Colorado State University forecast team expects an above-average Atlantic hurricane season and may raise its prediction of 13 tropical storms and seven hurricanes when it updates its outlook next week, the team’s founder, Bill Gray, said on Wednesday. La Nina cool-water conditions in the Pacific and higher sea surface temperatures in the eastern Atlantic are contributing to enhanced conditions for hurricane activity, Gray told Reuters at the U.S. National Hurricane Conference. "We’re expecting an above-average season," Gray said. "The big question we have is, are we going to raise the numbers from our December forecast? We might." "We’re not going to lower the numbers," he said. The average six-month Atlantic hurricane season produces about 10 tropical storms and six hurricanes — a standard that was blown out of the water in record-busting 2005, when 28 storms formed, including Hurricane Katrina, which swamped New Orleans. The 2007 Atlantic hurricane season brought 14 tropical storms, of which six strengthened into hurricanes.

April 1-2 2008

Air Temperatures
The following maximum temperatures were recorded across the state of Hawaii Tuesday: 

Lihue, Kauai – 81
Honolulu, Oahu – 85
Kaneohe, Oahu – 79
Kahului, Maui – 83
Hilo, Hawaii – 80 
K
ailua-Kona, Hawaii – 83

Temperatures 
ranged between these warmest and coolest spots near sea level at 4 p.m. Tuesday afternoon:

Honolulu, Oahu – 82F
Molokai airport – 77   

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

0.51 MOUNT WAIALEALE, KAUAI
0.39
SOUTH FORK KAUKONAHUA, OAHU
0.05 MOLOKAI
0.00 LANAI
0.00 KAHOOLAWE
0.42
PUU KUKUI, MAUI
0.20
HONAUNAU
, BIG ISLAND

Weather Chart – Here’s the latest (automatically updated) weather map. A 1034 millibar high pressure system is located to the north-northwest of Hawaii, with a 1012 millibar low pressure system located to the NNE. The winds will begin from the ENE, and veer around to the NE and perhaps even NNE through the next several days.

Satellite and Radar 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. 

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.


Aloha Paragraphs


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A great little table to set a cup of coffee down on
in the morning, or a glass of wine at sunset!
Photo Credit: flikr.com


There will be periodic increases in showers along the windward sides of the islands through the rest of this week. Meanwhile, the leeward sides will remain dry in most cases, except in Kona, on the Big Island, which will see late afternoon, or early evening showers falling locally. Satellite imagery show a couple of cloud bands approaching the state from the northeast direction, bringing some increase in showers to the windward sides Tuesday night, and then again around Thursday. As we move into the upcoming weekend, there may be another increase in windward biased showers.

Gusty trade winds will give way to slightly lighter winds Wednesday through Friday…then boost up again this weekend. 
Weather maps show a 1030 millibar high pressure system north of Hawaii Tuesday evening. This high pressure cell, or one like it, will provide trade winds through the next week. Those typically windiest areas will see strong and gusty conditions, especially during the afternoon hours. The winds remain strong enough now, that small craft wind advisory flags will be needed in just those windiest areas in the southern part of the state.

It’s Tuesday evening as I begin writing this last paragraph of today’s narrative. To the casual observer, our weather will change little during the rest of the week. Those living along the windward sides will see the most obvious shifts, which will include off and on passing shower areas arriving. A low pressure system to the northeast of the islands, will spin out cloud bands in our direction. Here’s a looping satellite image, so we can keep track of those showery clouds that will move our way on the trade winds. That rather impressive swath of high cirrus clouds, to the south and south of the Big Island, seem to be moving away from the islands at the moment. ~~~  Towards the weekend, a low pressure system may form close enough to Hawaii, that the trade wind showers may be enhanced then. Once again, the windward sides will receive the bulk of this incoming moisture. The leeward sides, will find abundant sunshine beaming down during the days, with a full sky of stars available for the viewing at night. By the way, a lovely crescent moon is appearing in our early morning hours, before sunrise. ~~~ Tuesday was a glorious day, that is if you like mostly clear and sunny weather…and who doesn’t! I’ll be back very early Wednesday morning with your next new weather narrative from paradise. I hope you have a great Tuesday night until then! Aloha for now…Glenn. 

Interesting: Why do humans have fingernails? When painted, they can add a girly sparkle to hands, and for some people they can substitute as a guitar pick or even a backscratcher. These savvy services, though, are not the reason we humans sport the keratin-rich coverings atop our fingertips. "We have fingernails because we’re primates," said John Hawks, a biological anthropologist at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Fingernails are one of the features that distinguish primates, including humans, from other mammals. They are essentially flattened forms of claws. "Most mammals have claws," Hawks told LiveScience. "[They] use them to grab onto things, to climb things, to scratch things, and to dig holes."  

Scientists suspect primates sort of lost their claws and fashioned broad fingertips topped with nails to aid in locomotion. While claws would have provided excellent grip as our mammalian ancestors clambered up large tree trunks, they would have been a nuisance for larger-bodied primates trying to grasp smaller branches while scrambling across tree canopies for fruits. Rather, primates developed broader fingertips made for grasping.  About 2.5 million years ago, fossil evidence suggests early humans first picked up stone tools, which is about the same time our ancestors also developed even broader fingertips than earlier primates. To this day, humans sport broader fingertips than other primates.

Interesting2: You can skip the mouth-to-mouth breathing and just press on the chest to save a life. In a major change, the American Heart Association said Monday that hands-only CPR — rapid, deep presses on the victim’s chest until help arrives — works just as well as standard CPR for sudden cardiac arrest in adults. Experts hope bystanders will now be more willing to jump in and help if they see someone suddenly collapse. Hands-only CPR is simpler and easier to remember and removes a big barrier for people skittish about the mouth-to-mouth breathing. "You only have to do two things. Call 911 and push hard and fast on the middle of the person’s chest," said Dr. Michael Sayre, an emergency medicine professor at Ohio State University who headed the committee that made the recommendation.

Hands-only CPR calls for uninterrupted chest presses — 100 a minute — until paramedics take over or an automated external defibrillator is available to restore a normal heart rhythm. This action should be taken only for adults who unexpectedly collapse, stop breathing and are unresponsive. The odds are that the person is having cardiac arrest — the heart suddenly stops — which can occur after a heart attack or be caused by other heart problems. In such a case, the victim still has ample air in the lungs and blood and compressions keep blood flowing to the brain, heart and other organs.

March 31-April 1 2008

Air Temperatures
The following maximum temperatures were recorded across the state of Hawaii Monday: 

Lihue, Kauai – 82
Honolulu, Oahu – 84
Kaneohe, Oahu – 75
Kahului, Maui – 83
Hilo, Hawaii – 79 
K
ailua-Kona, Hawaii – 83

Temperatures 
ranged between these warmest and coolest spots near sea level at 4 p.m. Monday afternoon:

Kailua-kona – 82F
Molokai airport – 76   

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

0.22 MOUNT WAIALEALE, KAUAI
0.08
WAIHEE PUMP, OAHU
0.00 MOLOKAI
0.00 LANAI
0.00 KAHOOLAWE
0.28
 PUU KUKUI, MAUI
0.28
MOUNTAIN VIEW
, BIG ISLAND

Weather Chart – Here’s the latest (automatically updated) weather map.
A 1032 millibar high pressure system is located to the north of Hawaii, which will keep moderate to fresh trade winds blowing…locally stronger and gusty in those usual windiest spots through Wednesday. Our local winds may take on a more northeast orientation Wednesday.

Satellite and Radar 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. 

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.


Aloha Paragraphs


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The lovely Hana, Maui coast
Photo Credit: flikr.com

A steady stream of fresh trade winds will continue over the Hawaiian Islands.  Weather maps show a 1031 millibar high pressure system a distance to the north of Hawaii Monday evening. This high will provide fresh trade winds across the north central Pacific through the next week. Those typically windiest areas will see strong and gusty conditions, especially during the afternoon hours. The winds remain strong enough now, that small craft wind advisory flags are active across all the major channels, and in some coastal waters around Maui and the Big Island. These blustery trade winds will likely begin to mellow out some Thursday into the upcoming weekend.
 

These trade winds will carry off and on passing showers to the windward sides As usual, under the influence of this trade wind weather pattern, showers will fall most readily along the windward coasts and slopes…most generously during the night and early morning hours. The leeward sides will remain dry in most cases, except in Kona  on the Big Island, which may see some late afternoon, or early evening showers falling locally. The latest computer forecast models show a couple of cold fronts approaching the state, although they won’t arrive…but may bring some modest increase in showers to the windward sides at times.

It’s Monday evening as I begin updating this last paragraph of today’s narrative. As we begin this new week, then embark into a new month on Tuesday, a fairly normal spring time trade wind weather will continue to dominate our Hawaiian Island weather picture. The trade winds will remain on the strong side of the wind spectrum, as they have been over the last several days. The only other thing, that catches my eye, and is typical for this time of year as well, is the shower activity that will occur along the windward coasts and slopes. As noted in the paragraph above, A couple of cold fronts will be moving by to the north of Hawaii, which may contribute some added showers. This is the time of year when we like to see showers driven in our direction by the trade winds. Spring trade wind showers help to cushion us against summer time drought conditions.  ~~~  Monday rose to its expectations, at least in terms of weather…being locally windy. Case in point, Maalaea Bay on Maui had wind gusts of 46 mph at 4pm!  I see no reason to think that Tuesday won’t be very similar to Monday, remaining blustery, although still quite dry in most areas. ~~~ I’ll be back very early Tuesday morning with your next new weather narrative from paradise. I hope you have a great Monday night until then! Aloha for now…Glenn.

Fun music video

Interesting: The water supply crisis is not just a third world issue. Nevada’s Lake Mead, the largest man-made lake and reservoir in the U.S., could go dry by 2021, according to a pair of scientists at the Scripp’s Institute of Oceanography in San Diego, California. If human-induceclimate change and water usage continues at the present rate, or even slower, there is a 50% chance the lake will go dry in coming years — and sooner, rather than later. The Colorado River’s water is being consumed far beyond a sustainable level. Regional climate models show California and areas of the Southwest could soon face a devastating water crisis. Reduced winter run-off — due toglobal warming, changing weather patterns and over-consumption — are draining the area of vital water. If the region enters a serious drought, matters will worsen quickly. The loss of a resource like Lake Mead would have a tremendous negative impact on the agriculture industry, electrical power production, and local and regional water supplies. With 1.3 million people depending on electricity from the Lake and 8 million people drinking its water, serious conservation programs and restrictions must be put in place.

Interesting2: There is a reason why April 1 is the beginning of Tsunami Preparation Month here in Hawaii: tomorrow is the anniversary of the deadliest tsunami in recorded Hawaii history. It was on April 1, l946, that an 8.6-magnitude earthquake near Alaska triggered the deadly wave that claimed the lives of 159 people in Hawaii.  The approach of a tsunami leaves little time to think, much less debate with neighbors about whether you should evacuate if you live near the ocean or streams that feed into the ocean. This is the time to heed the advice of longtime residents: Immediately run inland if you are near the ocean and begin seeing exposed reef as the water recedes to the sea. It WILL be back!  As a fairly new Haleiwa resident in the early ’70s, I was arrested by the sight at the beach one day — my favorite seaweeds were clearly visible on a now-exposed reef. Feeling so lucky, I walked down the steps and began to pick the tips of my favorites.  An elderly neighbor yelled at me but did not join me. She just got louder. Her expression grew intense as she motioned for me to join her. I walked up the steps, extending my bucket to show her all the seaweed I had collected. She was NOT interested. She led me up more steps. She might have saved my life. Had she not persisted, I could have been knocked over by the wave of water that followed. When we reached high ground, other neighbors came out and gave me the tsunami lecture. It’s a quick lesson — not easily forgotten. Take it from this poster child: If you are new to the islands and see the waters suddenly retreating from shore, run as fast and as far as you can toward higher ground.

March 30-31 2008

Air Temperatures
The following maximum temperatures were recorded across the state of Hawaii Sunday: 

Lihue, Kauai – 81
Honolulu, Oahu – 85
Kaneohe, Oahu – 80
Kahului, Maui – 82
Hilo, Hawaii – 81 
K
ailua-Kona, Hawaii – 83

Temperatures 
ranged between these warmest and coolest spots near sea level at 4 p.m. Sunday afternoon:

Honolulu, Oahu – 83F
Hilo, Hawaii – 75   

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

0.18 MOUNT WAIALEALE, KAUAI
0.10
MANOA LYON ARBORETUM, OAHU
0.00 MOLOKAI
0.00 LANAI
0.00 KAHOOLAWE
0.15
  OHEO GULCH, MAUI
0.03
PAHOA, BIG ISLAND

Weather Chart – Here’s the latest (automatically updated) weather map. A 1030 millibar high pressure system is located to the north of Hawaii, which will keep fresh trade winds blowing…locally stronger and gusty in those usual windiest spots through Tuesday.

Satellite and Radar 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. 

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.


Aloha Paragraphs


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The West Maui Mountains
Photo Credit: flikr.com

Blustery trade winds will continue to sweep across the Hawaiian Islands, which will continue through the next week.  Weather maps show a 1027 millibar high pressure system a distance to the north of Hawaii Sunday evening. This high will provide fresh trade winds across our tropical latitudes through most of the next week. Those typically windiest areas will see even stronger and gusty conditions, especially during the afternoon hours. The winds remain strong enough now, that small craft wind advisory flags are active across all the major channels, and in some coastal waters around Maui and the Big Island.
 

Most of the clouds that arrive over the islands, will be carried in by the trade winds. As usual, under the influence of such a trade wind weather pattern, showers will fall most readily along the windward coasts and slopes. The leeward sides will remain dry in most cases. The Kona coast and slopes of the Big Island, may see some late afternoon, or early evening showers falling locally. The latest computer forecast guidance now shows a couple of cold fronts edging in our direction as we move into the new week…bringing increasing showers to the windward sides starting Tuesday.

It’s Sunday evening as I begin updating this last paragraph of today’s narrative. Blustery trade winds will keep things whipped up pretty good through the next week. All that wind will begin to carry more frequent showers to our islands starting Tuesday…most of which will fall along the north and east facing coasts and slopes. ~~~ As noted above, the blustery trade winds will carry in remnant moisture from weakening cold fronts, which will arrive in our area Tuesday, and then again perhaps later in the week. The windward sides, where most of these showers will fall, have been dry lately. Thus, the added precipitation will be a welcome visitor. The Big Island, which has been plagued with volcanic emissions, in the form of ash and haze lately, may find some relief perhaps if the showers can help to clean the air a bit this coming week. The Kona area won’t see this windward biased shower activity, so may continue to be voggy for the time being. ~~~ I’ll be back again very early Monday morning with your next new weather narrative. I hope you have a great Sunday night until then! Aloha for now…Glenn.

March 29-30 2008

Air Temperatures
The following maximum temperatures were recorded across the state of Hawaii Saturday: 

Lihue, Kauai – 81
Honolulu, Oahu – 86
Kaneohe, Oahu – 80
Kahului, Maui – 83
Hilo, Hawaii – 80 
K
ailua-Kona, Hawaii – 83

Temperatures 
ranged between these warmest and coolest spots near sea level at 4 p.m. Saturday afternoon:

Barking Sands – 82F
Kaneohe, Oahu – 76   

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

1.21 MOUNT WAIALEALE, KAUAI
0.32
POAMOHO 2, OAHU
0.00 MOLOKAI
0.01 LANAI
0.00 KAHOOLAWE
0.25
  WEST WAILUAIKI, MAUI
0.17
HILO AIRPORT, BIG ISLAND

Weather Chart – Here’s the latest (automatically updated) weather map. A 1026 millibar high pressure system is located to the northeast of Hawaii, which will keep moderately strong to fresh trade winds blowing…locally stronger and gusty in those usual windiest spots through Sunday.

Satellite and Radar 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. 

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.


Aloha Paragraphs


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We’ll see nice sunset and sunrise colors now
Photo Credit: flikr.com

Fresh trade winds will continue to buffet the Hawaiian Islands, which will continue through the next week.  Weather maps show a 1026 millibar high pressure system to the northeast of Hawaii Saturday evening. This high will provide generally moderate to fresh trade winds across our tropical latitudes through most of the next week. Those typically windiest areas will see somewhat stronger and gusty conditions, especially during the afternoon hours. The winds have become strong enough now, that small craft wind advisory flags are active across all the major channels, and in some coastal waters around Maui and the Big Island.
 

Island skies will find a mix of lower level clouds, with high cirrus clouds flying along in the upper reaches of the atmosphere. As usual, under the influence of such a trade wind weather pattern, showers will fall most readily along the windward coasts and slopes. The leeward sides will remain  dry in most cases, with partly cloudy conditions. The Kona coast and slopes of the Big Island, may see some late afternoon, or early evening showers falling locally. There are no organized rain areas taking aim on our islands at the moment. The computer forecast models are now showing a trough of low pressure reaching down from the north, into the area east of Hawaii…which may bring an increase in showers around mid-week coming up.

It’s Saturday evening as I begin writing this last paragraph of today’s narrative. Other than the locally strong and gusty trade winds, and those occasional passing showers along the windward sides, our weather will remain quite nice. Looking at this looping satellite image, we can see that there are still lots of cirrus clouds coming up out of the deeper tropics to our west and southwest. We will see streaks of this high cloudiness being blown across our island skies at times over the next couple of days…providing great sunset and sunset colors. ~~~ We find ourselves involved in a prolonged period of the trade winds. This trade wind weather pattern looks to be quite stable, with little day to day variation in this favorably inclined theme, well into the future. As mentioned above, we may see a change in our weather picture later week, when a trough of low pressure brings an instability factor into play, which could enhance our shower activity…especially on the Big Island end of the island chain. ~~~ Saturday was a nice day, that is if you didn’t mind the blustery trade winds blowing locally. Trade winds late in the day Saturday were gusting up to 36 mph at Maalaea Bay on Maui, and all the way up to 42 mph at South Point, down on the Big Island. Our local winds may boost up yet another notch Sunday into Monday, so expect the continuation of the strong and gusty winds. ~~~ I’ll be back again Sunday morning with your next new weather narrative. I hope you have a great Saturday night until then! Aloha for now…Glenn.

Fun music video–turn the volume up

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