First Alert Weather Day issued for Friday due to elevated fire danger and strong winds

HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) – The Hawaii News Now First Alert Weather team has declared that Friday is a FIRST ALERT WEATHER DAY.
The National Weather Service has issued a RED FLAG WARNING for the leeward areas of all islands Friday as the combination of dry fuels, low relative humidity, and strong trade winds could lead to critical fire weather conditions during the day. This warning will be in effect until 6 p.m.
The Weather Service said outdoor burning is not recommended due to the weather conditions. Also, heat from vehicle exhaust can ignite dry grass, so park on paved areas or where vegetation and grass have been trimmed and cleared.
Strong trade winds are expected to impact the state with sustained wind speeds as strong as 20-30 miles per hour Friday. Wind gusts could potentially hit 45 miles per hour.
The winds will contribute to the fire hazard, and you should delay activities that could throw off sparks until the wind dies down.
The gusty trade winds are being generated by strong high building to the north of the state. Stronger trades will last into the weekend.
A WIND ADVISORY is currently in place for portions of the Big Island, Maui, Lanai, Kahoolawe, and Molokai. The NWS is forecasting for easterly winds between 20-30 miles per hour and even stronger wind gusts. This alert will last until 6 a.m. on Saturday.
A HIGH SURF ADVISORY is also in effect for east-facing shores due to the large wind swell approaching. Surf will continue to build on east-facing shores and this advisory will last until 6 AM on Saturday.
Get weather updates every ten minutes and your 7-Day First Alert Forecast on HNN Sunrise, weekdays with Guy Hagi and weekends with Billy V. Meteorologist Drew Davis has your forecasts on This is Now, First at Four and Hawaii News Now at 6:30. And join Chief Meteorologist Jennifer Robbins at 5, 5:30, 6, 9 and 10 and Ben Gutierrez on weekends.
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