The trade winds are getting stronger as the warm days continue

HONOLULU (KHON2) – A shallow layer of moisture that moved across the archipelago today will dissipate tonight, bringing steady trade winds back into the air.

Humidity was not particularly impressive, leading to a slight increase in windward rainfall from the Big Island to Oahu.

However, the increase in showers was greater on the leeward Big Island, where sea breezes attracted moisture during the day.

Rainfall on the Kona slopes will gradually decrease until midnight, while elsewhere there will be hardly any showers.

Expect drier and slightly stronger trade winds on Sunday and Monday.

A surface high far north of the state will gradually build, leading to increased trade winds, and mid-level ridges will hold, providing stable conditions.

Drier air flows slowly towards the wind via the trade winds, causing hardly any rain to fall on the windward side and it is mainly dry on the leeward side.

Exceptions include the Kona slopes on the Big Island, where clouds and showers are expected each afternoon, and leeward Kauai, where a few short showers are possible on Sunday afternoon.

More showers are expected on Monday evening and Tuesday, as more moisture moves in.

This area will be deeper than the area that passed through today, suggesting a greater chance for showers, especially for windward areas. The leeward slopes of the Big Island, and possibly Haleakala, will likely be active Tuesday afternoon, while leeward areas elsewhere will see a few passing showers.

There will be a mid-level trough accompanying the moisture, but generally conditions at high altitude will remain stable, minimizing the chance of heavy rainfall.

Drier conditions and stronger trade winds will develop on Wednesday and Thursday as the mid-level trough moves away and the high pressure area to the north strengthens.

Expect minimal windward rainfall and dry conditions in most leeward areas.

This may lead to concerns about fire brigades.