If the COVID-19 pandemic wasn’t enough to put a damper on New Year’s Eve celebrations, the rainfall predicted throughout the weekend might be.
The National Weather Service in Honolulu is anticipating a 70% chance of showers on New Year’s Eve in Hilo as the trade winds dump moisture on the east side of the island throughout the week.
Meteorologist Maureen Ballard said “wet and unsettled” weather is anticipated on the windward side of the Big Island until at least Monday. While winds are not anticipated to surpass 10 miles per hour, there will remain a high chance of rain showers from Thursday evening until New Year’s Day.
Meanwhile, on the leeward side, Ballard said light winds are predicted, bringing a slighter, but still significant, chance of rain over the holidays. The NWS predicts a 50% chance of rain in Kailua-Kona throughout the day Friday, dropping to 30% Friday evening.
Ballard noted that the weather could intervene with outdoor New Year’s Eve gatherings. But, after Mayor Mitch Roth reduced the maximum allowable indoor gathering size to 10 people on Monday, a wet outdoor gathering may be New Year’s Eve revelers’ only option.