While meteorological spring arrived days ago on March 1, it looks like Old Man Winter may be extending his stay …in Hawaii! Only five states currently have a Winter Weather Advisory for wintry weather conditions right now: California, Idaho, Montana, Alaska and now the Aloha State.
The National Weather Service office in Honolulu, Hawaii on the Island of Oahu, responsible for issuing forecasts and advisories for the Big Island of Hawaii, has issued a Winter Weather Advisory for Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa there.
According to the National Weather Service, deep moisture will spread over the area from the east and southeast, while a nearby trough aloft maintains sub-freezing temperatures over the Big Island Summits. With this type of an atmospheric set-up, periods of snow and freezing rain are expected, with the potential for heavy snow as the week progresses.
For now, a Winter Weather Advisory is in effect at least through 6pm Monday evening, local time. In the Winter Weather Advisory area, snow and freezing rain is expected; an additional 2″ of snow is possible on Hawaii’s high summits.
The National Weather Service warns, “A Winter Weather Advisory means that periods of snow, sleet, or freezing rain will cause travel difficulties. Be prepared for slippery roads and limited visibilities and use caution while driving.”
Snow is fairly common in the high elevations of even the tropics like Hawaii. Just weeks ago, 1-2 feet of snow blanketed the upper slopes of Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa. Mauna Kea ‘s 13,803’, which is slightly taller than nearby Mauna Loa’s highest elevations, is high enough above sea level to experience freezing or sub-freezing conditions especially during the colder months of the year.
