Copyright staradvertiser
The National Weather Service’s red flag warning for all leeward areas across the state is extended through Saturday evening, as gusty tradewinds and low humidity create dangerous wildfire conditions. Forecasters say the warning — in effect through 6 p.m. Saturday — covers every island, including Oahu’s Ewa plain, Waianae coast and interior areas, Maui’s central valley and upcountry, and northern and interior sections of Hawaii island. East winds could reach 20 to 35 mph with gusts up to 50 mph today, dropping to 15 to 25 mph by Saturday, while humidity levels are expected to fall to around 40%. These dry, windy conditions are expected to peak during the late morning and afternoon hours each day, weather officials said. The NWS warns that any fires that start could spread quickly, and outdoor burning is strongly discouraged. The agency emphasized that a red flag warning signals the potential for extreme fire behavior, not necessarily new ignitions. Residents are urged to review wildfire safety tips and mitigation actions through the Hawaii Wildfire Management Organization. “Dry and windy conditions will develop during the day on both Friday and Saturday as high pressure moves east, north of the islands,” the weather service says. “This will increase the local pressure gradient and coincide with a pocket of drier air moving into the region, likely producing critical fire weather conditions.” The main fire weather concerns will be from late morning through the afternoon each day when relative humidity is lowest, forecasters said. “Any fires that develop will likely spread rapidly. Outdoor burning is not recommended,” officials said. Tradewinds are expected to ease by Sunday, with an increase in showers early next week as moisture moves across the islands, forecasters said. On the Big Island, Mayor Kimo Alameda on Thursday signed an Emergency Proclamation banning outdoor burning and open flames. The Red Flag Warning includes South, Southeast, North-Kohala, and interior areas of Hawaii island, including all or parts of Hamakua, North Hilo, North and South Kohala, North Kona, Kau and Puna. The proclamation >> All outdoor burning. >> All outdoor open flames. >> All “hot work,” which includes but is not limited to grinding, welding, flame cutting, or other fire or spark-producing operations. Violations are punishable with a fine up to $1,000 per violation. Residents are asked to avoid parking on dry vegetation to guard against vehicle exhaust systems igniting dry grass. Meanwhile, a high surf advisory remains in effect until 6 p.m. today for north- and west-facing shores of Kauai, Niihau, Oahu, Molokai and north-facing shores of Maui. Waves are expected to reach 10 to 16 feet along north shores and 8 to 12 feet along west shores. Ocean safety officials warn that strong breaking waves and rip currents will make swimming dangerous. Beachgoers should heed all advice from lifeguards and avoid entering the water if unsure.
