November is coming in hot with several days of record-breaking or record-tying temperatures in Hilo.
According to the National Weather Service, Hilo hit 90 degrees Nov. 2, breaking the old record of 87, which was set for that day in 1993.
On Nov. 4, the record high of 87, set for that day in 2015, was tied.
On Nov. 5, a temperature of 87 broke the record of 86, which was set on that day in 2006; and on Nov. 6, a record high of 87 tied the record for that day set in 2004.
“(It) seems like the main reason we’ve been seeing these higher temperatures has been the warmer sea surface temperatures around the state,” said Robert Burke, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Honolulu. “Plus, we haven’t had any robust trade winds that help stir the waters up a little bit.”
Water surrounding the islands is 2-3 degrees warmer than normal, he said, which is “generally translating to temperatures being higher as well.”
Plus, because Hawaii’s temperature range isn’t that large, Burke said on almost any day the temperature can be within a few degrees of the record.
However, Burke said, “We are heading into the winter months, so our average high temperatures are cooler during the winter.”
“It won’t be nearly as hot as it was in August and September, particularly when we get into December and January,” he continued.
Burke said, too, that sometimes during the winter months there are down-sloping winds at night that bring cooler air from higher elevations.
According to the NWS, daytime sea breezes and nighttime land breezes will prevail through today as a front approaches from the northwest.
Clouds and showers will favor interior areas during the afternoon and evening.
Trade winds will return next week, with clouds and showers favoring windward and mauka areas. But winds will become lighter toward the end of next week as another front approaches the state.
Email Stephanie Salmons at ssalmons@hawaiitribune-herald.com.
