Kaua‘i Rainfall Totals for June 2021

June rainfall totals across Kaua‘i were mostly near to below average, according to the National Weather Service monthly rain summary report.

Despite the recent dryness, rainfall totals for 2021 through the end of June were still above average across Kaua‘i due to wet conditions in February and March. Mount Waialeale had the highest year-to-date total of 270.43 inches (143% of average).

Several leeward sites west of Hanapēpē had well above average totals for the month of June. However, the averages for this time of the year are less than half an inch, so even monthly totals of just one-half to an inch of rainfall will produce very high percent of average values.

The US Geological Survey’s (USGS) rain gage on Mount Waialeale had the highest monthly total of 26.57 inches (81% of average), and the highest daily total of 4.63 inches on June 3. The rain gage at Wainiha posted its lowest June total since 2009.

Statewide, trade winds were persistent throughout June, with speeds in the moderate to fresh range during the first half of the month. An anomalously strong low-pressure system in the North Pacific was able to push the subtropical ridge closer to the Hawaiian Islands in late June, which weakened the trades to light to moderate intensities.

According to the report, this allowed land and sea breezes to dominate local wind conditions in some areas.

Drought conditions continue to expand in many areas of the Hawaiian Islands. For the latest drought information across the state, refer to the Drought Information Statement here.