First Alert Weather Day Declared for Hawaii Island Amid Disturbances
Hawaii Island is designated as a First Alert Weather Day due to an upper-level low causing instability and severe thunderstorms, leading to hail and strong winds. While conditions are expected to improve for most islands, scattered showers and the possibility of thunderstorms may persist, particularly in eastern areas and mountainous regions.
On Friday, Hawaii Island and the eastern coastal waters extending from Maui County have been designated as a First Alert Weather Day by the HNN First Alert Weather Team. This designation arises from the tracking of an upper-level low that is isolated from the jet stream. The day commenced with substantial thunderstorms over Maui and Hawaii Island, bringing severe conditions characterized by hail and strong winds surpassing 50 mph during the nocturnal hours.
The weather team anticipates that instability will persist over the eastern regions of the state into Saturday. Although a gradual return to fair weather is expected across most islands, Hawaii Island and east Maui may continue to experience some scattered showers and instabilities through Saturday morning. It is important to note that while the heavy rainfall is projected to decrease throughout the day for Oahu and parts of Maui, the potential for additional thunderstorms remains, particularly in mauka neighborhoods and coastal waters.
The daytime heating may induce another wave of instability, particularly impacting the Kona slopes. It is noteworthy that a dusting of snow was reported at Haleakala, accompanied by blustery winds and low visibility. This weather phenomenon may create hazardous conditions at elevations above 6000 feet on Hawaii Island, where snow and gusty winds are anticipated due to the upper-level low.
As the weather pattern evolves, the trough axis of the upper-level low is expected to assume a south-west to north-east orientation over or adjacent to the Big Island. This may keep enhanced trade wind showers relevant in the forecast through the weekend. Conversely, relatively fair weather conditions are anticipated for Kauai and Oahu, despite the possibility of some lingering showery conditions in the affected regions.
The First Alert Weather Day has been issued in response to the imminent weather changes brought on by an upper-level low pressure system that has detached from the jet stream and is creating instability across Hawaii Island. This weather event has led to significant thunderstorms capable of producing severe weather elements such as strong winds and hail. The forecast indicates a gradual return to fair weather, yet underlying instability may lead to ongoing thunderstorms, particularly on the eastern side of the state.
In summary, the issuance of a First Alert Weather Day for Hawaii Island signifies considerable weather disturbances due to an upper-level low causing instability and thunderstorms. Though there is an expectation for improved weather conditions toward the weekend, caution is advised as some areas may continue to experience rain and possible thunderstorms. Hawaii’s mountainous regions are also facing exceptional weather phenomena, including potential snow and low visibility, which demands attention from residents and visitors alike.
Original Source: www.hawaiinewsnow.com
