A major weather event is set to impact Honolulu and the surrounding Hawaiian Islands. The National Weather Service has issued a High Surf Warning for the north and west shores of Oahu, Kauai, Molokai, and Maui. The warning will be in effect from 6 p.m. today until 6 p.m. Friday. Waves are expected to reach heights between 25 and 35 feet along the north-facing shores, and 20 to 25 feet along the west-facing shores. This is not just a normal swell—these are massive, powerful waves that could create life-threatening conditions for anyone near the water.
The High Surf Warning means that the ocean will be extremely dangerous, with strong currents and large waves crashing onshore. The surf can easily knock over swimmers, surfers, and beachgoers. The National Weather Service has specifically warned that areas with channel entrances could experience breaking waves, which makes navigation particularly dangerous for boats and other watercraft. So, if you had plans to hit the beach or take a boat out, now is the time to reconsider.
What This Means for Honolulu
Residents and visitors in Honolulu are urged to stay away from beaches during this warning period. If you’re planning to spend time near the ocean, it’s better to cancel those plans or wait until the waves calm down. Rip currents, which are powerful currents that pull swimmers out to sea, will be a serious risk. If you get caught in one, it’s incredibly difficult to escape, and this is especially dangerous in the high surf expected in the coming days.
Ocean navigation will also be hazardous. With such large waves, it’s not just the swimmers who are at risk; boaters are also advised to stay off the water. Large surf can easily capsize smaller boats, and waves crashing near shore could throw off even larger vessels. Even experienced sailors and surfers should be cautious in these extreme conditions.
Warm, Muggy Weather Will Stick Around
While the waves are the immediate concern, Honolulu’s weather is also contributing to a sticky situation. The city is currently experiencing warm and muggy conditions, with temperatures around 76°F (24°C). The rest of the week is expected to continue with warm temperatures, hovering around 84°F (29°C) during the day. Nights will be cooler, with temperatures dropping to about 67°F (19°C). While this weather may seem ideal for beachgoers, it’s important to note that humidity will make the air feel even warmer than it really is, which could cause discomfort for some.
This sticky, humid weather is caused by southerly Kona winds. These winds, which typically come from the south, are blowing warm, moist air from the Pacific Ocean over the islands. These conditions are expected to stick around until the weekend, but there’s a silver lining: the weather will start to improve by next week, with cooler and drier conditions likely to return when trade winds (winds coming from the northeast) pick up again. This shift in wind direction is expected to bring a break in the humidity and an increase in rainfall, particularly on the windward sides of the islands.
The Threat of Volcanic Smog (Vog)
Another factor to consider is the ongoing volcanic activity on the Big Island, which is causing vog—a form of volcanic smog that can reduce air quality across the islands. Vog is created when gases and ash from the active Kilauea volcano mix with moisture and sunlight. The result is a hazy mist that can be dangerous for people with respiratory conditions like asthma, bronchitis, or other lung issues. If you have any respiratory problems, you may want to stay indoors during periods of heavy vog. The smog is more likely to worsen when volcanic emissions are high, which means it’s important to keep track of updates from local authorities.
What You Should Do Right Now
If you’re in Honolulu or planning to visit in the next few days, here’s what you need to know:
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Avoid the Water: The High Surf Warning is no joke—stay away from north and west-facing shorelines, and don’t go into the ocean. The surf will be large and dangerous, even for experienced swimmers.
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Monitor Local Weather Alerts: Keep your eyes on local news and weather reports for updates on the surf conditions and potential changes in the weather. The situation can evolve quickly, so it’s important to stay informed.
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Prepare for Humid Conditions: If you plan to be outside, make sure to stay hydrated and take regular breaks in the shade. Humid weather can be exhausting, so be mindful of how your body feels.
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Watch Out for Vog: If you have any respiratory issues, it’s best to limit outdoor activities when vog is heavy. The haze can irritate the eyes, throat, and lungs, so it’s wise to wear a mask or stay indoors if the air quality worsens.
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Trade Winds Are Coming: Don’t worry, relief is on the way. By next week, stronger trade winds will return, cooling things down and bringing some much-needed rain to the islands. But until then, the weather will remain warm and sticky, so take precautions.
Conclusion
Honolulu is facing a challenging week ahead, with high surf warnings, muggy conditions, and the possibility of volcanic smog affecting air quality. The surf will be particularly hazardous, so it’s crucial to stay away from the ocean during this warning period. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, make sure you monitor weather updates, stay hydrated, and avoid outdoor activities when conditions are less than ideal. Stay safe and take care of yourself during this event
