Update: Red flag warning canceled for all of Hawaiʻi

Update at 5 p.m. Nov. 16: The National Weather Service in Honolulu has canceled the Red Flag warning for all of Hawaiʻi.

Relative humidity levels are not at the critical fire threshold as of Saturday afternoon, and are expected to remain above 45% into Sunday.

Update at 3:40 p.m. Nov. 15: The red flag warning in effect for all leeward portions of the state, including the south and southwest portions of Kaua‘i and all of Ni‘ihau, has been extended until 4 p.m. Saturday.

A combination of dry fuels, low relative humidity and strong trade winds will continue to create critical fire weather conditions for these areas through early this evening and again from Saturday morning through Saturday afternoon.

The National Weather Service in Honolulu forecast shows east winds persisting at 20 to 30 mph, with gusts up to 50 mph, and relative humidities as low as 45%.

The Hawai‘i Department of Health also extended the “No Burn” period for Kaua‘i County noon, Monday, prohibiting any open burning. That includes all permitted agricultural burning.

Any questions can be directed to the state Health Department Clean Air Branch Kaua‘i office at 808-241-3325 or O‘ahu office at 808-586-4200.

Update at 7:30 p.m. Nov. 14: Lt. Gov. Sylvia Luke, serving as Acting Governor, signed an Emergency Proclamation at 6:18 p.m. today in response to the red flag warning issued by the National Weather Service forecast office in Honolulu.

A red flag warning will be in effect for wind and low relative humidity in all leeward portions of the state, including the south and southwest portions of Kaua‘i and all of Ni‘ihau, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday in anticipation of the possible fire weather.

In an effort to address existing and potential impacts caused by weather conditions, the emergency proclamation enables rapid deployment of resources to mitigate risks. It also advises the public to avoid actions that could create unnecessary dangers and suspends laws that might delay the execution of emergency functions.

The public is urged to avoid activities that could spark a fire, including open flames, campfires and outdoor grilling. The use of power tools that could produce sparks, as well as idling or parking vehicles on dry grass, should also be avoided.

Residents should check with county authorities for any bans or restrictions related to these activities.

Residents are encouraged to stay vigilant and informed by monitoring local news media and county emergency management agencies for updates and warnings about high-risk areas in their communities.

For essential strategies to prepare, respond, and stay safe in the face of wildfire, visit the Hawaiʻi Wildfire Management Organization.

Update at 3:09 p.m. Nov. 14: The National Weather Service forecast office in Honolulu has replaced the fire weather watch that was previously in place for all leeward areas of the state Friday with a red flag warning from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

The combination of dry fuels, relative humidity as low as 40% to 45% and strong easterly trade winds of 20 to 30 mph, with gusts up to 45 mph, will create critical fire weather conditions in these areas, including the south and southwest portions of Kaua‘i and all of Ni‘ihau.

Any fires that develop will likely spread rapidly.

A red flag warning does not predict new fire starts, however. It means that critical fire weather conditions are either occurring now or will shortly.

Outdoor burning is not recommended.

Heat from vehicle exhaust systems can ignite dry grass. Park cars on areas that are paved or where vegetation is trimmed and cleared.

High winds contribute to wildfire hazard. Delay activities that could throw off sparks until the wind dies down.

Original post at 1 a.m. Nov. 14: The combination of dry fuels, low relative humidity and strong trade winds could spark critical fire weather conditions for leeward sections of the state at the end of this week.

The National Weather Service forecast office in Honolulu has issued a fire weather watch for all leeward portions of the state, including the south and southwest portions of Kaua‘i and all of Ni‘ihau, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday.

Northeast to east winds of 20 to 30 mph, with gusts up to 50 mph, are forecast, with relative humidity as low as 40% to 50% in the watch areas. 

A fire weather watch means critical fire weather conditions are forecast to happen. The public should pay attention to later forecasts and for possible red flag warnings.

The National Weather Service Hawai‘i Synopsis at 8:42 p.m. Wednesday said wind speeds will be at or near red flag thresholds, with windy trade winds expected through Saturday.

Relative humidity levels throughout the state will be the limiting factor.

Bands of moisture moving in on the trade wind flow through today are expected to maintain higher relative humidity levels; however, a slot of drier air moving in Friday could bring lower relative humidity levels.

Should a red flag warning be issued, outdoor burning is not recommended.

For actions to protect life and property from wildfires, visit the Hawai‘i Wildfire Management Organization website.

A strong high pressure system far north of the islands is driving the strong trade winds blowing through the region.

The Hawai‘i Synopsis said a dying cold front between the surface high and the state will continue to weaken and move to the east, allowing surface winds to increase a bit today.

The high pressure system will remain nearly stationary during the next couple of days, with a very slow weakening trend. Strong winds are expected to persist into Saturday before falling to more moderate levels.