All leeward areas of Hawai‘i, including Big Island, under fire weather watch Friday

The combination of dry fuels, low relative humidity and strong trade winds could spark critical fire weather conditions for leeward sections of the state at the end of this week.

The National Weather Service forecast office in Honolulu has issued a fire weather watch for all leeward portions of the state, including the Big Island, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday in anticipation of the possible fire weather.

Interior portions of the Big Island are also included in the watch.

Northeast to east winds of 20 to 30 mph, with gusts up to 50 mph, are forecast, with relative humidity as low as 40% to 50% in the watch areas.

A wind advisory is also already in effect for most of the Big Island through Thursday.

The National Weather Service Hawai‘i Synopsis at 8:42 p.m. Wedneesday said winds at lower elevations are expected to remain strong into Saturday, so the wind advisory is likely to be extended.

A fire weather watch means critical fire weather conditions are forecast to happen. The public should pay attention to later forecasts and for possible red flag warnings.

The Hawai‘i Synopsis added that wind speeds will be at or near red flag thresholds — warm temperatures, low humidities and stronger winds are combining to increase the risk of fire — with windy trade winds expected through Saturday.

Relative humidity levels throughout the state will be the limiting factor.

Bands of moisture moving in on the trade wind flow through today are expected to maintain higher relative humidity levels; however, a slot of drier air moving in Friday could bring lower relative humidity levels.

Should a red flag warning be issued, outdoor burning is not recommended.

For actions to protect life and property from wildfires, visit the Hawai‘i Wildfire Management Organization website.

A strong high pressure system far north of the islands is driving the strong trade winds blowing through the region.

The National Weather Service Hawai‘i Synopsis said a dying cold front between the surface high and the state will continue to weaken and move to the east, allowing surface winds to increase a bit today.

The high pressure system will remain nearly stationary during the next couple of days, with a very slow weakening trend. Strong winds are expected to persist into Saturday before falling to more moderate levels.

Hawaiian Electric is monitoring the increased risk for fire weather.

If necessary to protect public safety, the utility could implement its Public Safety Power Shutoff program to proactively shut off power in communities with high exposure to wildfire risk.

Hawaiian Electric will provide updates before implementing a power shutoff as part of the program.

For more information and maps, call Hawaiian Electric’s Public Safety Power Shutoff hotline toll-free at 1-844-483-8666 toll-free or click here.

The utility’s Public Safety Power Shutoff emergency response plan includes:

• Closely monitoring weather.
• Coordinating with state and county emergency response officials.
• Urging customers to prepare for possible power outages and make safety their top priority.

Safety is always Hawaiian Electric’s top priority. Customers are urged to make it their top priority, too:

• Check emergency equipment such as flashlights, emergency generators, battery-operated (hand-crank or solar) radios, light sticks and lanterns to be sure they are operational, and buy extra batteries.
• Make sure you have a battery-powered radio on hand to listen for updates on weather conditions and possible Public Safety Power Shutoff activation.
• If someone in your home is dependent on electrically powered, life-sustaining medical equipment, check backup facilities.
• Plan where to go if an evacuation is ordered. If you need to go to the hospital or other emergency shelter, remember to take your medical equipment and medications with you.
• If you plan to use a portable generator, make sure it is in a well-ventilated area outside and be sure to carefully follow all instructions in the manufacturer’s manual.
• Turn your refrigerator and freezer to their coldest settings. If power goes out, this will keep food fresher longer.
• Turn off and unplug any unnecessary electrical equipment, especially sensitive electronics. If an outage occurs, this will prevent damage from surges when power is restored.
• Don’t venture out in the dark. You might not see a downed power line that could be energized and dangerous.
• Avoid standing water and debris.
• If you see a downed power line, assume it is energized and dangerous. Stay at least 30 feet or more away from all power lines. Warn others to stay away.

Hawaiian Electric will provide updates frequently through the news media and the following mobile-friendly resources:

• Hawaiian Electric website: hawaiianelectric.com.
• X (formerly Twitter): @hielectriclight.
• Facebook: facebook.com/HawaiianElectric.
• Mobile app: Free download available on Apple Store and Google Play.

You can also sign up to receive emergency outage alerts online.

For emergency assistance, call 9-1-1. For Hawaiian Electric, call the utility’s Big Island trouble line at 808-969-6666.