Hawaii snow expected as robust storm sweeps Pacific islands
Winter storm warnings are in effect for the summits of Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa as a robust system affects Hawaii
Hawaii is known as a tropical paradise with beaches and surfing galore. But the weather isn’t always perfect in this dreamy island getaway.
Winter storm warnings are in effect for the summits of Mauna Loa and Mauna Kea, where up to 25 cm of wind-swept snow is in the forecast.
DON’T MISS: Hawaii saw snow before parts of Canada this winter
Robust system affecting Hawaii into early this week
Hawaii will feel the influence of a system known as a Kona Low for the next couple of days.
This seasonal type of low-pressure system can bring up to a week’s worth of foul conditions to the Pacific island chain during the wet season in the fall and winter.
Widespread heavy rainfall and gusty winds will drive high waves and a potential for flash flooding throughout the Hawaiian Islands through the middle of the week.
Ample moisture and a slug of cold air aloft will create the opportunity for snow at higher elevations.
Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa dominate Hawaii’s Big Island with respective elevations of 4,205 m 4,170 m above sea level. The summits of these towering volcanoes are tall enough to experience difficult winter conditions when a strong system moves into the region.
Forecasters with the U.S. National Weather Service (NWS) issued winter storm warnings for the two summits through early Tuesday morning. The warning is in effect for up to 25 cm of snow, gusty winds, and a risk for significant rime ice.
The summits typically see at least some snow every winter, with the local NWS office issuing winter storm warnings a few times per year. Hawaii experienced snow before parts of Canada this year, and the summits even saw a blizzard warning back in 2021.
Lower elevations certainly don’t have to worry about wintry precipitation. The coldest temperature on record in Honolulu was 11.1°C on Jan. 20, 1969.
Header image created using graphics and imagery from NASA and Canva.