HILO — Heading east for the holiday?
The cool, rainy weather of last weekend might dry out by Thanksgiving as the National Weather Service predicts only scattered showers throughout the week.
According to NWS records, about 1.8 inches of rain fell on Hilo each day between Friday and Sunday, while average temperatures stayed in the mid- to high-70s.
The cooler weather over the weekend was the result of trade winds returning briefly and depositing moisture on the windward side of the island, while the weather throughout the week will be dominated by a southeasterly cold front that swept over the island on Sunday, said meteorologist Genki Kino.
While the front has potential to give Kauai Island “a pretty wet Thanksgiving,” Kino said, the Big Island should remain relatively dry throughout daylight hours this week, save for scattered showers. The NWS is predicting a 50% chance of rain every day this week except on Thanksgiving, which has a 40% chance.
High temperatures are not expected to exceed the low- to mid-80s, while the low temperatures are expected to bottom out at 65 degrees. Kino said to expect overcast conditions as the week goes on.
The week also is expected to be breezy. Winds from the southeast are expected to remain at between 6 mph and 10 mph, with gusts as high as 21 mph forecasted today.
Because of the likelihood of high winds, a small craft advisory is in effect for all waters surrounding the island until at least this evening. Inexperienced mariners and those operating smaller vessels are advised to avoid navigating in the rougher ocean conditions.
After Thanksgiving, Kino said the NWS predicts strong trades returning from the north of the state, which might keep the islands cool through next weekend.
Email Michael Brestovansky at mbrestovansky@hawaiitribune-herald.com.