Strong winds were blowing across Hawaii on Friday as the islands saw drought conditions that could lead to quick fire spread.
Meteorologists warned of an increased wildfire threat across Hawaii on Friday as strong winds begin to blow across the state, much of which is battling drought.Why It Matters
Hawaii entered a period of heightened wildfire risk on Friday as the National Weather Service (NWS) issued a red flag warning for all leeward areas and interior sections of the islands. The warning signaled the potential for extreme fire behavior driven by strong winds and low humidity and comes in the middle of the Pacific hurricane season, which has already seen an active start.
Wildfires pose a serious threat to Hawaii’s communities, native ecosystems, drinking water, infrastructure, and cultural resources, as evidenced by the destructive Maui fires in 2023, which were fueled by strong winds.What To Know
The NWS in Honolulu announced a red flag warning for all Hawaiian Islands, effective through 6 p.m. local time on Friday, due to a combination of dry conditions, strong easterly trade winds, and low relative humidity.
The warning covered leeward portions of all islands and interior sections on the Big Island, listing expected wind speeds of 15 to 30 miles per hour with gusts up to 40 mph on Oahu and Kauai, and gusts as high as 50 mph in Maui County and the Big Island.
