Tropical Systems in Pacific Could Impact Weather on Hawaiian Islands

Posted: August 17, 2023 9:36 am

The central and eastern portions of the Pacific Ocean continue to show signs of heightened tropical activity. Will this active weather pattern impact the dire situation in Hawaii as officials in Maui continue to search for the missing after a deadly wildfire destroyed the town of Lahaina last week? Read on for the latest on the influencing weather factors of the next few days.

Latest on Tropical Storm Greg

Forecasters are keeping a close eye on two tropical features in the Pacific, both of which could impact the wind patterns moving across the Hawaiian islands. Tropical Storm Greg is churning in the Central Pacific, located about 600 miles to the southwest of the city of Hilo on the Big Island of Hawaii.

As of early Wednesday, Greg was moving to the west at a speed of 14 mph. The storm is forecast to move to the south of Hawaii in the coming days before turning to the west-northwest by the end of the week.

A broad area of high pressure anchored over the northeastern Pacific Ocean will pair with Greg’s circulation to influence the trade winds that are blowing across the islands. Moderate levels of trade winds are expected to impact the islands through Thursday as the high pressure system remains intact.

The good news is that these winds are not projected to hit the level of intensity that Maui experienced last week, helping to support the development of wildfires across the islands.

However, Tropical Storm Greg will still have the potential of creating strong rip currents along the south-facing beaches of the Big Island through the end of the week. Beach goers will want to be aware of this potential danger and pay heed to all warnings and alerts.

There is already a small craft advisory in effect for the ocean waters near the Big Island and Maui through 6 pm local time Thursday due to these anticipated impacts.

Latest on Hurricane Fernanda

A second feature in the East Pacific is currently expected to inch closer to the Hawaiian Islands in the coming days. As of Wednesday, Hurricane Fernanda was spinning to the southwest of Mexico but not threatening any land masses. As a Category 1 hurricane, Fernanda is packing maximum sustained winds of 75 mph. The wind field of these strong winds extend about 25 miles from the center of the storm.

Forecasters are predicting that Fernanda will begin to lose wind intensity as it moves to the west, likely falling below the designation of a tropical cyclone. What is left of Fernanda will bring locally gusty winds and periods of rain to the Hawaiian islands by the end of this weekend and into the early part of next week.

The current models do not demonstrate significant moisture with this system as it impacts Hawaii. Unfortunately, the boost in wind speeds could trigger more wildfire development and make it difficult for crews still trying to control the existing blazes.

Lastly, a tropical wave that is currently stretching southward away from the coastline of Mexico could potentially take on tropical features later in the week. Hurricane experts are warning that this zone of low pressure will find an environment ripe with elements needed to further intensify.

The next tropical storm that forms in the East Pacific will be called Hilary.

Update on Maui Wildfires

The death toll in the Maui wildfires has surged over the century mark, now standing at 106 lives lost. Hawaii Gov. Josh Green said that it has been difficult to identify the victims because they had been burned so badly. Family members have been asked to provide DNA samples in order to help expedite the identification process. In addition, a portable morgue offering X-rays and other types of identification equipment is being used to help identify the victims.

Meanwhile, rescue workers and about 20 cadaver dogs are working feverishly to sift through the ashes to find more human remains. The Maui tragedy is now distinguished as the deadliest wildfire on U.S. soil in over a century.

Local officials warn that the number of people who are missing is still unclear. Only five of the 106 bodies have been identified thus far. Crews have gone through approximately one-third of the search area as of late Tuesday, just one week after the event unfolded.

The Lahaina fire that is responsible for the massive amount of casualties is now about 85% contained. Meanwhile, the Kula fire burning in Maui’s Upcountry is now 60% contained, according to the latest information from officials.

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