Thunderstorms could continue to roll across Hawaii Island today, bringing the potential for more heavy rain showers in windward areas and icy conditions on Mauna Kea, according to a National Weather Service meteorologist. ADVERTISING Thunderstorms could continue to roll across
Thunderstorms could continue to roll across Hawaii Island today, bringing the potential for more heavy rain showers in windward areas and icy conditions on Mauna Kea, according to a National Weather Service meteorologist.
“Looks like we can do it all over again (Tuesday),” said Jon Jelsema, weather service senior forecaster, after storms hit parts of the island Sunday and Monday. Normal trade wind weather patterns will begin to return Wednesday.
Residents awoke Monday after a day of heavy rainfall to find a dusting of snow atop Mauna Kea, though it didn’t stick around long.
Gwen Biggert, administrative manager for Mauna Kea Support Services, said there was no need to bring out the plows or close the road. She said there was more ice than snow at the summit, which had melted by mid-morning Monday.
Biggert said it’s not unusual for the summit to see snow or ice this time of year. Mauna Kea also saw snow in May.
The stormy conditions are a result of an upper level area of low pressure that’s moving off to the west, Jelsema said. He said that system has lowered temperatures higher in the atmosphere, and it could bring more icy conditions to the mountain today.
The heavy showers might not change the island’s drought status, Jelsema said.
As of Aug. 15, most of the island was facing moderate drought conditions, with Hamakua and Waimea in severe drought.
The county Department of Water Supply issued a water conservation notice for Hakalau and Ninole customers Aug. 10.
“It’s precautionary,” Kawika Uyehara, department deputy director, said last week. “We’re asking for a 10 percent reduction.” He said both areas rely on springs, which are more easily affected by dry conditions.
The water systems serve an estimated 550 people combined, he said. The notice remained in effect as of Monday, though the flow rate was improving, Uyehara said.
The heaviest rainfall was recorded in Piihonua, which received 4.23 inches from Sunday morning to Monday morning, according to the NWS.
Mountain View received 3.91 inches, while Hilo International Airport saw 0.94 inches during that period.
Email Tom Callis at tcallis@hawaiitribune-herald.com.
