Nearly all gauges on Kaua‘i record below-average rainfall

Nearly all of the rain gauges on Kauaʻi had below-average rainfall for the month of July with two of the island’s rain gages posting their lowest totals – for the month – on record.

The U.S. Geological Survey’s Kilohana rain gauge on the northwest side of the island was the only site with near-average rainfall. The USGS’ Mount Waiʻaleʻale rain gauge had the highest monthly total of 20.49 inches (53% of average) and the highest daily total of 2.78 inches on July 23.

The Līhuʻe Airport, Līhuʻe Variety Station, and the Wailua Experiment Station rain gages posted their lowest July totals on record, according to the National Weather Service monthly rain summary report. Mount Waiʻaleʻale and Princeville Airport had their lowest July totals since 1984 and 2010, respectively.

Due to wet conditions during the first half of the year, most of the gages on Kauaʻi still had near to above-average rainfall for 2024 through the end of July, according to the report. The Mount Waiʻaleʻale rain gauge had the highest year-to-date total of 217.52 inches (96% of average).

The state did see trade winds persist throughout the summer month and continued a generally dry and stable trend that started in June.

Wind speeds were mostly in the moderate to fresh range, with periods of fresh to strong speeds on July 10 and 11, and from July 23 through 26. On July 19, a weak surface trough east of the main Hawaiian Islands provided the Big Island’s rainiest day of the month.

Daily totals of 1 to 2 inches occurred on the Big Island, Oʻahu and Kauaʻi. Windward Maui’s totals were a bit higher, with isolated amounts reaching 2 to 4 inches. There were no reports of significant flooding from either event.

The below-average rainfall and higher seasonal temperatures have resulted in an increase in drought coverage and intensity over the past month, especially in the leeward areas, except for Kaua‘i.

For additional drought information for Hawaiʻi, see the latest graphical Drought Information Statement at: https://www.weather.gov/hfo/DroughtInformationStatement.