Kauai Aug 24 Forecast: Sun, Showers & Surf Details
Kauai Weather Forecast: What You Need to Know for Tonight and Monday
Important: Tropical Storm Moke is passing south of Hawaii, bringing breezy winds and scattered showers to Kauai. A Small Craft Advisory is in effect for all waters until 6 AM Monday. No direct tropical storm threat to Kauai, but expect wet and windy conditions.
Quick Overview
- Tropical Storm Moke is about 300 miles south of the Big Island, moving west
- Breezy trade winds (15-20 mph) across Kauai
- Scattered showers likely, especially windward (north/east) areas
- Temperatures: 60s-70s overnight, 70s-90s daytime depending on elevation
- Conditions improve Tuesday as Moke moves away
Regional Forecasts for Kauai
West Kauai
| Time | Conditions | Temperatures | Winds | Rain Chance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tonight | Mostly clear, isolated showers | 66°F (mountains) to 76°F (shore) | NE up to 15 mph | 20% |
| Monday | Breezy, mostly sunny AM → scattered showers PM | 79°F (mountains) to 93°F (shore) | E up to 20 mph | 50% |
| Mon Night | Partly cloudy, scattered showers evening | 65°F (mountains) to 82°F (shore) | E up to 15 mph | 50% |
South Kauai
| Time | Conditions | Temperatures | Winds | Rain Chance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tonight | Breezy, mostly cloudy, scattered showers | 73-78°F | NE 15-20 mph | 50% |
| Monday | Breezy, partly sunny, scattered showers | 81-91°F | NE 15-20 mph | 50% |
| Mon Night | Breezy, mostly cloudy, scattered showers | 73-81°F | NE 15-20 mph | 50% |
Kauai Mountains (Valleys & Above 4000 ft)
| Time | Conditions | Temperatures | Winds | Rain Chance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tonight | Breezy, mostly cloudy, scattered showers | 64°F (high) to 71°F (valleys) | E 10-20 mph | 50% |
| Monday | Mostly cloudy, numerous showers | 69°F (high) to 83°F (valleys) | E up to 15 mph | 70% |
| Mon Night | Mostly cloudy, scattered showers | 61°F (high) to 69°F (valleys) | E up to 15 mph | 50% |
North Kauai
| Time | Conditions | Temperatures | Winds | Rain Chance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tonight | Mostly cloudy, scattered showers | 67-76°F | E up to 15 mph | 50% |
| Monday | Partly sunny, scattered showers | 72-88°F | E up to 15 mph | 50% |
| Mon Night | Partly cloudy, isolated → scattered showers | 65-76°F | E up to 15 mph | 40% |
East Kauai
| Time | Conditions | Temperatures | Winds | Rain Chance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tonight | Mostly cloudy, scattered showers | 69-78°F | NE 10-15 mph | 50% |
| Monday | Mostly cloudy, scattered showers | 79-87°F | NE 10-15 mph | 50% |
| Mon Night | Mostly cloudy, scattered showers | 68-79°F | E 10-15 mph | 50% |
What’s Happening? (Simple Explanation)
The Big Picture
- Tropical Storm Moke is passing far south of Hawaii (300+ miles from Big Island)
- Even though it’s far away, Moke is tightening the pressure gradient (like squeezing a balloon) → stronger trade winds
- Moisture from Moke’s northern edge is brushing the islands → more showers than usual
- Big Island gets the most rain (flood watch), Kauai gets scattered showers and breezy conditions
Timeline
- Tonight: Breezy, scattered showers continue
- Monday: Winds ease slightly, still scattered showers
- Tuesday: Winds drop to moderate, drier "normal" trade weather returns
- Rest of week: Typical summer trade wind pattern
For Pilots (Aviation Simplified)
Heads up: If you’re flying, here’s what matters:
- Windward Big Island: MVFR/IFR conditions (low clouds/visibility) in rain bands tonight
- Rest of state: Mostly VFR (good flying weather), but windward/mountain areas may get MVFR in showers
- Turbulence: AIRMET Tango active for low-level turbulence downwind of terrain
- Mountain obscuration: AIRMET Sierra active for clouds hiding mountains on windward sides
- Tropical Storm Moke: Covered by TC SIGMET XRAY
For Boaters (Marine Simplified)
Important: Small Craft Advisory for ALL Hawaiian waters until 6 AM Monday
Current Conditions
- Fresh to strong winds across all waters
- Tropical Storm Warning for offshore waters (far from Kauai)
- High, choppy seas from Moke’s wind waves
What’s Changing
- Monday: Conditions improve as Moke moves west, pressure gradient relaxes
- East-facing shores: Surf trending down but still elevated/choppy Monday
- South shores: Slightly below summer normal, but new 3-4 ft south swell arriving Mon-Tue
- North/West shores: Small swell from Hurricane Lala peaking and declining
Fire Weather Outlook
- Winds: Strong/gusty trades easing tonight and Monday
- Humidity: Higher than normal (moisture from Moke)
- Rain: Heavy on Big Island windward/southeast; lighter on other islands
- Tuesday onward: Typical summer pattern returns
Active Alerts for Kauai Area
| Alert | Areas Affected | Until |
|---|---|---|
| Small Craft Advisory | All Hawaiian waters | 6 AM HST Monday |
| Wind Advisory | Big Island & Maui County only (not Kauai) | Midnight tonight |
| Flood Watch | Big Island only | Monday afternoon |
Note: Kauai is not under Wind Advisory or Flood Watch. Only Small Craft Advisory applies to our waters.
Summary Checklist
Tonight
- [ ] Expect scattered showers, especially windward areas
- [ ] Breezy: 10-20 mph northeast/east winds
- [ ] Lows: 60s (mountains) to upper 70s (shore)
- [ ] Boaters: Small Craft Advisory in effect
Monday
- [ ] Winds easing slightly but still breezy
- [ ] Scattered showers continue (50% chance most areas)
- [ ] Highs: 70s (mountains) to low 90s (west shore)
- [ ] Surf: East shores choppy but trending down
Tuesday & Beyond
- [ ] Winds drop to moderate
- [ ] Drier, typical trade wind weather returns
- [ ] Showers mainly windward slopes, brief and light
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is Tropical Storm Moke going to hit Kauai?
No. Moke is passing over 300 miles south of the Big Island and moving west. It will not directly impact Kauai. We only feel the indirect effects: stronger trades and extra moisture.
2. Why is it so windy if the storm is far away?
Think of it like a tug-of-war. Moke has low pressure, the high pressure north of us is pulling the other way. The rope between them (the pressure gradient) gets tight → stronger winds across the whole state.
3. Should I cancel outdoor plans Monday?
Not necessarily. Expect scattered showers (hit-or-miss, not all-day rain) and breezy conditions. Mornings tend to be sunnier, showers more likely afternoon. Have a backup indoor plan just in case.
4. What does "Small Craft Advisory" mean for me?
If you’re on a small boat (typically under 33 ft), conditions are hazardous: strong winds, steep choppy waves. Stay in port or use extreme caution. Large vessels are generally fine but should monitor conditions.
5. When will weather return to "normal"?
Tuesday. Trade winds drop to moderate (10-15 mph), moisture from Moke moves away, and we settle into typical summer pattern: sunny mornings, brief windward showers, pleasant temperatures.
Data Source: NOAA National Weather Service
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Stay safe, stay dry, and enjoy the garden island!