The first weather alert days have been declared for the island of Hawaii in Maui County due to strong winds and increased fire danger

HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) – The National Weather Service has issued a WARNING: RED FLAG for all leeward areas, which lasts until Thursday at 6:00 p.m.

A combination of high winds, low relative humidity and dry fuels can contribute to extreme fire behavior. Any fires that develop are likely to spread quickly. A red flag warning does not predict a new fire outbreak.

The warning prompted Gov. Josh Green to sign an emergency declaration Wednesday night that will be in effect until Friday, Dec. 13.

To address existing and potential impacts of adverse weather conditions, the emergency declaration allows for rapid deployment of risk mitigation resources. The public is also advised to avoid actions that could cause unnecessary danger.

Read the proclamation here.

The HNN First Alert Weather team has monitored strong winds and the possibility of increased fire danger throughout the week.

It is now Wednesday and Thursday due to gusty winds, low relative humidity and dry brush fuels in the leeward regions FIRST ALARM WEATHER DAYS for the entire state.

Winds

The National Weather Service has issued multiple warnings across the state as winds intensify. These warnings currently include:

A WARNING: RED FLAG for all Lee regions, lasting until Thursday at 6 p.m. Sustained easterly winds may reach 20-30 mph with gusts up to 50 mph. The relative humidity drops to up to 45%. Any fires that develop are likely to spread quickly.

A WIND ADVISORY for parts of Hawaii Island and Maui County. This consultation ends on Thursday at 6 a.m. Sustained easterly winds may reach 25-35 mph with gusts up to 50 mph.

Many leeward areas of the state are still experiencing drought. Please remain vigilant and avoid burns for the rest of this week.

Rough seas

A ADVICE FOR SMALL CRAFT applies to most offshore waters. This consultation lasts until Thursday, 6 p.m. East winds of up to 30 knots and seas of up to 12 feet are expected.

A Storm warning applies to all offshore waters south of Maui County and Hawaii Island. This consultation lasts until Thursday, 6 p.m. Northeast winds of up to 35 knots and seas of up to 13 feet are expected.

surfing

The High Surf Advisory has ended for many north and west facing coasts across the state. All wave heights are currently below the recommendation criteria.

Surf on the east coasts will continue to increase this week due to windy trade.

Chief Meteorologist Jennifer Robbins has the most accurate First Alert forecast for Hawaii every weekday at 5, 5:30 p.m., 6 p.m., 9 a.m. and 10 a.m. Get weather updates every ten minutes on HNN Sunrise, weekdays with Guy Hagi and weekends with Billy V. Meteorologist Drew Davis has your forecasts for This is Now at Noon, First at Four and Hawaii News Now at 6:30 p.m. And join Ben Gutierrez Weekends.

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