MEDIA RELEASE
Thunderstorms and Rain
Weather Review for the week ending June 5, 2011
Typical trade wind conditions in the very beginning of the week gave way for more unusual weather conditions during the second half of the week as an upper-level low moved over the state. This low brought its associated cooler air to our overlying atmosphere causing conditions to become unstable. All islands experienced heavy showers during this time, some with thunderstorms and even hail. Overall, Kauai and Oahu were hit hardest. With the trades still uncharacteristically blowing strong, most of these thunderstorms were mostly contained over windward areas. Temperatures were also very uncharacteristically low for this time of year in areas of the state affected by the upper-level low. Along with all these weather anomalies for this time of the year, Mauna Kea also saw snow during the week.
The National Drought Monitor showed virtually no change in conditions from the previously week. Note: The Drought Monitor focuses on broadscale conditions as local conditions may vary.
NOTICES: Qualified farm operators are eligible to apply for low interest Emergency Loans from the USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) due to the Presidential Designation of Hawaii, Maui, and Honolulu counties as major disaster areas due to tsunami losses on March 11, 2011. The designation was made on April 8th and farmers have eight months from this date to apply. For further information, please call your local FSA office. For Maui County call 871-5500 extension 2, Honolulu County 483-8600 ext. 2, and Hawaii County 933-8381 ext. 1.
Hawaii County
The Big Island experienced some rainfall during the week with the heaviest of it falling at the tail end of the week. The Waimea Irrigation System’s water level was marked at 46.5 feet on Monday, June 6th; an increase of 4 percent from the previous week’s Monday’s reading of 44.5 feet. The current conservation status remains unrestricted.
Maui County
Rainfall over Maui County was most prevalent during the second half of the week and mostly contained over the windward and mountain areas. A record daily maximum rainfall was set on June 4th at 0.18 inches, breaking the old record of 0.04 inches set on the same day in 1989. The Molokai Irrigation System water level was marked at 18.00 feet on Monday, June 1st, unchanged from the previous Monday’s reading. Phase III mandatory conservation measures remained in effect. Measures included a MANDATORY 30 percent conservation in usage from all nonhomestead users.
Honolulu County
Typical trade wind weather gave way to more extreme weather in the second half of the week. Thunderstorms plagued the island on Thursday and Friday with the most rainfall occurring over the windward areas. A record daily maximum rainfall was set at Honolulu International Airport on June 4th at 0.92 inches, breaking the old record of 0.41 inches set on the same day in 1972. The Waimanalo Irrigation System water level was marked at 58 feet on Monday, June 1st; down from the previous week’s reading of 58.25 feet. A 10 percent voluntary water conservation is in place.
Kauai County
Kauai experienced daily rainfall which was quite heavy at times. According to the Drought Monitor, all of Kauai continued to be free from any drought conditions.
Agricultural Highlights
Orchards
Orchards were generally in good condition. The added rainfall this week was beneficial.
Vegetables
Vegetables were in generally good condition as well. Although, farmers faced some challenges in areas inundated with rain and flooding.
Livestock and Pasture
Pastures were in fair to good condition throughout the State. The increase in rainfall this week was very beneficial in easing drought conditions for now.
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