Cold Low Pressure System Approaches Hawaii
A significant cold low pressure system is developing over Hawaii, set to impact the region by early Tuesday. This system is expected to bring heavy rain, thunderstorms, and winter weather across a broad area.
Known as the Kona Depression, this system is situated north of the Hawaiian Islands and is moving southward, spreading a band of precipitation that poses hazardous conditions throughout the archipelago.
Currently, converging low-level winds are affecting Oahu and Maui County, with thunderstorms forming over the ocean north of Oahu and off the western Big Island. The weather forecast suggests that this pattern will continue, funneling tropical moisture toward the mountains of Hawaii Island and Maui, raising the chances of extensive and heavy rainfall.
According to the FOX Forecast Center, as the precipitation band associated with the Kona Depression expands, localized thunderstorms with heavy rain might still occur across the islands.
Forecasts predict that flood-prone areas could receive between 1 to 2 inches of rain, leading to a flood watch that’s expected to remain in effect until Monday afternoon.
In higher elevations, especially on the summits of Mauna Loa and Mauna Kea, significant snowfall and ice are anticipated as deep moisture is pulled in from the south ahead of the cold core. The low-pressure system is likely to lessen in intensity from Tuesday through midweek.
Alongside heavy rainfall, a winter storm warning is active for the high peaks of the Big Island until early Tuesday morning. Cold air settling over these mountainous areas, combined with tropical moisture, is creating ideal conditions for snow and ice accumulation. Such winter weather could lead to dangerous icy conditions on mountaintop roads.
Forecasts indicate up to 6 inches of snow may accumulate, which could create hazardous situations. Additionally, strong winds are expected, with gusts reaching 50 to 60 mph at higher elevations and potentially up to 125 mph in lower areas.
The adverse weather conditions are likely to significantly reduce visibility, even to near zero at times.
By midweek, the Kona Low is expected to weaken as it shifts westward away from the islands. However, a milder disturbance might follow later this week, bringing with it more rain.
