A winter storm is currently dumping several inches of snow in Hawaii at higher elevations.
The National Weather Service has issued a winter storm watch for summits above 12,000 feet on Hawaii’s Big Island, warning of “significant snow, sleet or ice accumulations” on Thursday and Friday.
Hawaii has several high mountain peaks. Mauna Kea, the highest point in the state, towers at close to 13,800 feet.
The National Weather Service notes that the snow may be heavy at times and will likely create difficult travel conditions, in addition to reducing visibility.
The agency warns anyone planning to travel to the summits to “monitor the latest forecasts and consider postponing their trip.”
Winter has arrived in Hawaiʻi:
— Hawaii Pacific Parks (@HIPacParks) December 6, 2019
Webcam, Mauna Loa Volcano, Summit
Live Image of Mokuʻāweoweo Caldera from the Northwest Rim [MLcam]
Last Updated 2019-12-06 10:41:14 (HST)https://t.co/AmCxLgSV5J#maunaloa #hawaiisnow #hawaiivolcanoes #winterinhawaii pic.twitter.com/fo54NMte1Q
Thursday night is expected to be “cloudy and breezy” with isolated rain and snow showers and low temperatures around 32 degrees at the mountain summits.
On Friday, conditions should be “very windy” with gusts up to 60 mph and rain and snow showers continuing. The high temperatures on Friday are expected to be between 34 and 57 degrees.
At lower elevations, the weather will be much warmer. Honolulu is expected to have a high of 81 degrees on Friday. [NWS, USGS]
