UPDATE: Big Island summits of Mauna Kea, Mauna Loa now under winter weather advisory above 12K feet

Update at 8:36 p.m. March 11, 2026: National Weather Service forecasters in Honolulu have issued a winter weather advisory in effect from 9 p.m. today (March 11) to 6 p.m. Thursday (March 12) for Big Island summits of Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa above 12,000 feet.

More than a foot of snow — possibly close to 2 feet — is now forecast on both summits. Original forecasts called for only up to 8 inches of the white stuff.

The advisory is a precursor to the winter storm watch that remains in effect from 6 p.m. Thursday through 6 p.m. Saturday (March 14) for the summits above the same level.

A powerful kona low located northwest of the state will bring periods of heavy snow, thunderstorms and strong winds Thursday night through Saturday. Freezing fog and light snow flurries are possible through Thursday afternoon at the summits.

Snow flurries and freezing fog will create slick icy road conditions with possible blizzard conditions moving in later. Visibilities are forecast to fall below a 1/4 of a mile because of falling and blowing snow.

Total snow accumulation of 12 to 18 inches is possible on both summits throughout the duration of the winter weather, with winds potentially gusting as high as 110 mph.

A winter weather advisory means periods of snow, sleet or ice will make travel difficult, causing slippery roads and limited visibilities. Motorists are advised to use caution if they must travel to the summits.

Meanwhile, a winter storm watch means there is a potential for significant snow, sleet or ice accumulations that could impact travel.

The public is advised to continue to monitor the latest forecasts.

Story originally posted at 7:21 a.m. March 11, 2026: National Weather Service forecasters has issued a winter storm watch that will be in effect from 6 p.m. Thursday (March 12) to 6 p.m. Saturday (March 14) for above the Big Island summits of Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa above 12,000 feet.

A powerful Kona low storm located northwest of the state will bring periods of heavy snow, thunderstorms and strong winds Thursday night through Saturday to the island and summits.

Heavy snow is forecast atop both mountains, with total snow accumulations up to 8 inches possible.

A winter storm watch means there is potential for significant snow or ice accumulations that can impact the summits.

Anyone planning travel to the summits, including hikers and campers, should monitor the latest weather forecasts and consider postponing their trip until weather conditions improve.

Travel could be very difficult to impossible. Blowing snow will significantly reduce visibility at times, including periods of zero visibility.