HONOLULU (KHON2) -- Breezy trade winds will continue through Wednesday, then ease slightly from Thursday into the weekend as a high pressure system to the north weakens. The dry air will limit rainfall this week, with the best chances for rain over windward and mauka areas during the night and early morning. Later in the week, an upper-level disturbance could bring more showers, especially by the weekend.
Dry trade winds will be present through midweek due to a high in place. Moisture levels are rather low, with rainfall totals under a quarter-inch in windward areas and slightly over half an inch on the leeward Big Island. Drought conditions are worsening in leeward areas of the smaller islands. Any showers that occur will mainly be in windward and mauka locations, mostly at night or early morning.
As the week progresses, the high will weaken, and a weak upper-level low will move north of Kauai. This will cause the trade winds to decrease to light to moderate levels. Increased moisture could lead to more windward showers, especially over the weekend. A few showers may also develop over dry leeward areas in the afternoon due sea breezes for some areas.