Thunderstorms rattled the east side of the island Tuesday and could repeat throughout the rest of the week.
Strong rain and rumbling thunder persisted throughout Tuesday afternoon after a largely sunny morning, ultimately dropping 1.7 inches of rain on Hilo by the end of the day, according to National Weather Service data.
National Weather Service hydrologist Kevin Kodama said the rainfall was caused by a high-level atmospheric disturbance, which pushed a high concentration of low-level moisture over the island and generated lightning discharges.
That weather pattern, he said, is not expected to change substantially during the coming days.
Children trick-or-treating today in East Hawaii should watch out for rain and, potentially, more thunder, Kodama said. If thunder is heard, trick-or-treaters should remain indoors for their own safety.
However, Kodama suggested the worst of today’s weather might taper off before the evening.
There is a 50% chance of rain predicted for today, which might generate thunderstorms. The forecasted rainfall for the next few days will drop throughout the weekend, to a 40% chance Friday and to a 20% chance Saturday.
Temperatures are not expected to exceed 85 degrees, and will bottom out at 67 degrees.
No flood warnings are in effect on the Big Island, although the waters off the windward coast were subject to a small craft advisory Wednesday afternoon.
During the heaviest weather Tuesday, snow fell on the Maunakea summit, although it melted by Wednesday. While snowfall usually closes the Maunakea Access Road, that road already has been closed since July.
Email Michael Brestovansky at mbrestovansky@hawaiitribune-herald.com.
