Feeling chilly on Kauaʻi? Dry air mass bringing cooler temperatures

Cooler, drier air lingering over Kaua‘i has given the island a more wintry feel than usual, following the passage of a cold front that moved across the state last week, according to meteorologists at the National Weather Service.

The front ushered in an unusually dry air mass that has lingered over the islands for several days, lowering humidity levels and making temperatures feel cooler, even though actual readings have stayed close to seasonal norms.

“It feels a lot like winter out there,” said meteorologist Derek Wroe with the National Weather Service in Honolulu.

Dew points across Kaua‘i dropped into the 50s, well below typical January levels, which usually range from the mid-60s to low 70s in Hawai‘i. Lower dew points reduce humidity.

Wroe said that this has kept the air feeling cooler, even though the actual overnight low temperatures have only dropped into the lower 60s, which is just a few degrees below January normal (66 or so at Līhuʻe) at many locations. 

“Recently, we have not been close to record lows at Līhuʻe, which run in the low to mid 50s,” he said.

Another cold front approaching the state is expected to temporarily raise dew points later Tuesday, bringing an increase in moisture and the potential for rain. The front is also forecast to produce a brief period of gusty north winds across Kaua‘i overnight.

Behind the front, cooler and drier conditions are expected to return late Tuesday night into Wednesday, with dew points once again dropping as the drier air mass settles in.

Wroe added that conditions should gradually moderate later in the week, with dew points and overnight temperatures expected to return closer to typical January levels by the weekend.

Residents and visitors are advised to prepare for changing conditions, including passing showers and gusty winds, as the winter weather pattern continues to influence the islands.