Honolulu, HI – The National Weather Service in Honolulu has issued a Fire Weather Watch for Friday morning through Saturday afternoon, warning that gusty winds and low humidity may create critical fire weather conditions across leeward and interior portions of all major Hawaiian Islands.
According to the NWS, the most affected areas include central and leeward zones of Oʻahu, Maui, Molokaʻi, Lānaʻi, Kauaʻi, and the Big Island, particularly northern and interior portions of Hawaiʻi Island.
Forecasters say east winds of 15 to 25 mph with gusts up to 35 mph, combined with relative humidity levels as low as 40 to 45 percent, will increase the risk of rapid fire spread Friday and Saturday afternoons.
The NWS warns that any fires that develop could grow quickly and become difficult to control, especially in dry grasslands and leeward communities. Residents and visitors are urged to avoid outdoor burning, secure equipment that could cause sparks, and report smoke or fire immediately.
High pressure building north of the islands will tighten the pressure gradient, producing stronger trade winds and ushering in a drier air mass by Friday morning. The alert covers the period from 8 a.m. Friday to 6 p.m. Saturday HST, though the greatest concern is late morning through afternoon each day.
Officials emphasize that the watch may be upgraded to a Red Flag Warning if conditions persist or intensify heading into the weekend.
