First Alert Forecast: Tracking blustery sustained winds and strong gusts through Aloha Friday

HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) – Breezy to locally windy trade winds will continue across the islands tonight, especially over Maui County and the Big Island where a Wind Advisory remains in effect through early Friday morning. The strong winds are being driven by a powerful area of high pressure positioned far north of the state. That pressure difference is creating tight trade wind flow across the islands, producing gusty conditions and rough surf along east-facing shores.

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While the atmosphere remains relatively stable and somewhat dry overall, the trade winds are still carrying in passing showers — mainly affecting windward and mauka communities. Some of the most active showers today have been over the Big Island, especially along windward slopes. Meanwhile, most leeward areas are staying fairly dry aside from a few afternoon clouds and isolated Kona slope showers.

Winds may ease slightly Friday into the Memorial Day weekend, but breezy trade winds are expected to continue through the holiday.

Forecast confidence is a little lower regarding whether Wind Advisory conditions will persist into Friday, and forecasters will reassess overnight. For boaters, dangerous marine conditions continue.

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Gale-force winds remain in effect for the typically windy channels around Maui County and the Big Island, with Small Craft Advisories posted statewide through at least Saturday.

East shore surf remains elevated due to the strong trade wind swell, with a High Surf Advisory continuing through Friday afternoon. Surf could slowly lower this weekend if winds ease enough, though conditions may remain close to advisory levels. Looking ahead, the overall pattern stays fairly steady into next week — moderate to breezy trades, mainly windward showers, and generally dry conditions for leeward areas.

View the latest weather conditions here.

Download the HNN Weather app from the Apple App Store or Google Play for the latest updates from your First Alert Weather Team: chief meteorologist Jennifer Robbins, meteorologist Drew Davis, and weather anchors Guy Hagi, Ben Gutierrez, and Billy V.

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