Red Flag Warning Extended For Portions of Big Island

The National Weather Service in Honolulu has extended the red flag warning for parts of the Big Island.

The red flag warning will now remain in effect until 6 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 10. A fire weather watch remains in effect until 6 p.m. today (Wednesday, Aug. 9).

“A red flag warning means that critical fire weather conditions are either occurring now or will shortly,” the NWS advisory says. “A combination of strong winds, low relative humidity and warm temperatures can contribute to extreme fire behavior. A red flag warning does not predict new fire starts.”

The advisories are for the leeward sides of all islands, including Kona, Kohala and southern portions of the Big Island.

“The combination of dry fuels, strong and gusty trade winds and low relative humidity could produce extreme fire behavior on Wednesday, especially during the afternoon hours,” the advisory statement from the National Weather Service says. “Any fires that develop will likely spread rapidly and be difficult to control.”

Winds are forecast to be from the northeast to east at 20-30 mph with higher gusts. The NWS also issued a wind advisory for portions of the island Wednesday. Humidity levels are also expected to be near 45 percent in the afternoon. No thunderstorm activity is expected.

The advisory reiterated that any fires that develop will likely spread rapidly. Outdoor burning is not recommended.

“A fire weather watch means that critical fire weather conditions are forecast to occur,” the National Weather Service said in its earlier fire weather watch advisory.