Hawaii 24/7

On April 24, 2012, the U.S. Drought Monitor reported no change in drought conditions from those of last week. A total of 60.07 percent of land area was rated as being in some stage of drought. The seasonal drought outlook for Hawaii from April 19 through July 31, 2012 indicated drought conditions are likely to either persist or intensify for leeward areas in Hawaii and Maui Counties.

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The week presented mixed weather conditions, none that were of heavy detriment to farmers. Mostly localized rains were heavy but brief. Despite some sweeping showers, skies were partly cloudy for the most part with rains favoring upper elevation and windward areas. Hazy conditions were also present during the week as winds were light and variable.

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Pasture conditions were improved greatly after December’s heavy rainfall. Although not as heavy, rains continued throughout the week. Last week’s Drought Monitor, for the week prior, showed upgrade of extreme [D3] drought conditions in Southern Kona/Ka’u area. The only area under extreme [D3] conditions was an interior section of the North Kohala district.

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The summer maximum of the south Kona region ended with a total of 11.9 inches during the months of July, August, and September, according to the National Weather Service. True to normal trends, rain over the last three months has accounted for 63 percent of the rain over the last nine months. The Waimea Irrigation System water level was marked at 48 feet on Friday, October 1st; a decrease of 3 percent from the previous week’s reading of 49.5 feet.

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