A shifting surface trough is keeping rain and flood alerts active across most of the Hawaiian Islands tonight.
Key points
- A flood watch continues for six islands and is set to expire early Thursday.
- Rainfall totals are lower than earlier model forecasts, with Molokai receiving the most rain and Kauai the least.
- Improvement is expected later this week as trade winds return, though isolated showers may persist.
A surface trough that has moved eastward across the state is delivering moderate to heavy showers and isolated thunderstorms, especially over Maui County and parts of Hawaii Island, while the risk of minor flooding and ponding is expected to persist through tonight, according to Hawaii News Now.
Rainfall totals vary widely: Molokai has recorded the highest amounts, while Kauai saw the least. Mountainous areas reported heavy pockets, but overall totals are below earlier model projections, with some neighborhoods experiencing only drizzle. Hawaii Island has logged roughly a trace to three inches of rain, and the rain has been limited on Kauai.
Rainfall Totals and Model Discrepancies
A Flood Watch remains in effect for Oahu, Molokai, Lanai, Maui, Kahoolawe and Hawaii Island through early Thursday, as the trough continues to draw moist air from the south. Kauai is no longer under a flood watch, according to the outlet.
Meteorologists expect conditions to improve by Thursday or Friday, with trade winds returning over the weekend. Spotty heavy showers may linger, a brief trade‑wind resurgence is forecast for Friday night into Saturday, and breezy northeast winds are anticipated Sunday as a shallow front approaches.
Flood Watch Coverage
The First Alert Weather Team will keep monitoring the situation and issue updates as needed, warning that Halloween trick‑or‑treating could be wet in windward and mauka neighborhoods.
Reader questions
Which islands are currently under a flood watch?
The flood watch covers Oahu, Molokai, Lanai, Maui, Kahoolawe and Hawaii Island through early Thursday; Kauai is no longer under the watch.
How much rain has been recorded on Molokai and Hawaii Island?
Molokai has received the highest rainfall totals on the islands, while Hawaii Island has seen between a trace and about three inches of rain.
When are conditions expected to improve?
Forecasters anticipate improvement Thursday or Friday, with trade winds returning over the weekend and a brief period of breezy northeast winds expected Sunday.
Source: hawaiinewsnow.com
