Fire Weather Watch for West Hawai‘i goes into effect Wednesday

9:03 a.m. update on Tuesday: A Fire Weather Watch goes into effect Wednesday afternoon for North and South Kohala, North and South Kona and Ka‘ū Districts.

A Fire Weather Watch means that critical fire weather conditions are forecast to occur. Expect northeast winds of 15 to 30 mpg with gusts of up to 45 mph and dryer conditions to impact Hawai‘i Island on Wednesday and Thursday.

Hawaii Island residents should avoid all outdoor activity that involves an open flame or parking of vehicles on dry grass after travel.

Take this time to secure outdoor items and to mitigate fire safety concerns on your property.

For wildfire preventive actions, visit the Hawai‘i Wildfire Management Organization website at https://www.hawaiiwildfire.org/home

For more information, visit the County of Hawaii Hazard Impact Map.

Original post: The National Weather Service has declared a Fire Weather Watch for all leeward areas of the Hawaiian Islands due to gusty winds and low humidity from Wednesday afternoon through Thursday afternoon.

Dry fuels combined with strong trade winds and lowering humidities could produce critical fire weather conditions Wednesday afternoon through Thursday afternoon.

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. Listen for later forecasts and possible Red Flag Warnings.