LIHU‘E — The National Weather Service said a stationary cold front near Kaua‘i would continue to weaken over the next few days, keeping light and variable winds in the forecast across Hawai‘i, while NASA is expecting the Orionid meteor shower to peak after midnight today.
“The wind and rain are coming from the south and is going to stabilize over the next day,” said NWS Hydrologist Kevin Kodama. “Still some risk of thunderstorms, however, tomorrow (today) will be a low-pressure system lifting up north. Thursday and the rest of the week should be better, a little disturbance, but we are not going to see trades.”
Kodama said on Tuesday, passing rain showers began south of Kaua‘i, with the intensity of the storm falling apart before hitting the South Shore.
Residents on the Southside can turn off their sprinklers if they anticipate watering their yards this week.
“Up until last week, there was a severe drought on the Southside. Now it’s getting much-needed rain,” Kodama said.
Today, NWS said there will be scattered showers and thunderstorms.
“Mostly cloudy, with a high near 85. Light and variable wind becoming north five to seven mph in the afternoon. The chance of precipitation is 50%.”
New rainfall amounts of less than a tenth of an inch are expected today, with higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.
According to NWS, enhanced clouds and periods of showers will continue to affect Kaua‘i County and O‘ahu through at least the first half of this week.
Tuesday, the NWS recorded 1.24 inches of rain in Lihu‘e, 2.15 inches of rain at Kawaikoi Stream near Waimea, and 0.85 inches of rain at Halaulani Stream near Kilauea.
As of Tuesday, the Hanalei River bridge rain gauge was at 6.84 feet high, below the 7.3 flood stage that NWS would consider issuing a flash-flood warning if the mauka gauge isn’t working right.
Kodama said the Hanalei River bridge gauge is the backup if something goes wrong with the mauka gauge.
“If the mauka gauge marks 7.8 feet of river rising or higher, a flash-flood warning would be issued,” Kodama said.
NWS said today Kaua‘i should see isolated showers throughout the day, with the forecast calling for mostly cloudy skies and a high near 85. East winds will be three to five mph, and the chance of precipitation is 20%.
As of Tuesday, no tsunami, thunderstorm or hurricane watches or warnings had been issued.
Meanwhile, if skies clear, NASA said the Orionid meteor shower is expected after midnight and is known for its brightness and speed.
“The Orionids, which peak during mid-October each year, are considered to be one of the most beautiful showers of the year,” NASA said. “The Orionids are viewable in both the Northern and Southern hemispheres. Find an area well away from city or street lights.”
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Stephanie Shinno, can be reached at 245-0424 or sshinno@thegardenisland.com.
Are they still following the tier plan? UH football. They’ll be flying soon to Fresno state. It was all over the papers. S.A. had a good article out by Kristen Consillio. Tier 2 plan ready to go.