Fair weather will ring in the new year in East Hawaii, according to official forecasts.
The National Weather Service reported that despite a greater chance of showers today and into Saturday, New Year’s Eve is expected to be mostly clear on the windward side of the island, with only a 40% chance of scattered showers.
NWS Honolulu Lead Forecaster Jeff Powell said the holiday should be “pleasant” across the island, with typical Big Island weather expected throughout.
“There’s going to be a weak front coming into the Big Island (Thursday night), and that will bring this slowing band of showers in, but nothing that’ll cause flooding,” Powell said. “Other than that, we’ll see some locally breezy trades … and pretty much typical Hilo weather.”
Powell said another front is expected to reach the state on New Year’s Day. That front likely will bring more showers, but added that revelers on New Year’s Eve can anticipate “nice weather.”
The rest of the long weekend might be wetter, however. The NWS predicts anywhere between a 40% and 80% chance of showers through Saturday night.
Conditions in Kailua-Kona are expected to remain mostly clear throughout the weekend, although Powell said West Hawaii could experience breezier nights during the next several days.
Powell said the most noteworthy weather condition over the holiday weekend will be high surf along the north shores of the islands.
The NWS issued an advisory Thursday afternoon warning of swells from 15-20 feet until at least 6 p.m. today, and cautioning people to be aware of dangerous swimming conditions.
Email Michael Brestovansky at mbrestovansky@hawaiitribune-herald.com.