Weather Review
As of July 10, U.S. Drought Monitor rated 79.65 percent of Hawaii in some stage of drought. This rating was a decrease of 1.42 percentage points compared with last week’s scoring. The seasonal drought outlook forecast for Hawaii from July 5 through September 30 indicated that drought conditions are likely to persist or intensify on leeward areas of Hawaii and Maui Counties.

Hawaii County
Trade wind weather dominated Hawaii Island this week. Light showers and intermittent overcast skies were observed windward. While leeward areas were mostly dry and hazy throughout the week. Overall, light scattered rains with some sunshine benefited crop and pasture conditions. A wildfire in Ka`u kept firefighters busy at the end of the week. Some acres were burned near Lower Moaula Road between two macadamia orchards. Both the Alakahi and Wailuku rivers continued to flow at average levels. The Waimea Irrigation System water level was marked at 49.50 feet (51.5 million gallons) on Monday, July 16, unchanged from the reading taken Monday, July 9. Conservation status is unrestricted.

Honolulu County
Consistent trade winds brought passing cloud cover and very light rains to isolated areas this week. Daytime high temperatures were in the mid eighties. Oahu received an average rainfall of 0.11 inches this week. The western coast of Oahu has been placed into the moderate drought category. The Waimanalo Irrigation System water level was marked at 49.00 feet (37.5 million gallons) on Monday, July 16, up 0.75 foot from the reading taken on Monday July 9. A voluntary 10 percent conservation status is in effect.

Maui County
Most areas in Maui continue to be very dry with little green vegetation. Pastures along the south and west coastline are brown with very little available forage. The lack of feed for wildlife has continued to increase pressure from wildlife moving into crop and pasture areas. Fortunately, the recent rainfall received over the past week on windward facing areas of the island spurred some re-growth in these areas. The rain has also allowed reservoirs servicing the Upcountry area to maintain high water levels. Despite the relatively dry growing conditions, most crops have continued to make steady progress. The Molokai Irrigation System water level was marked at 16.25 feet (357.5 million gallons) on Monday, July 16, an increase of 0.25 foot from the reading taken last Monday. Mandatory 30 percent water conservation measures are in effect for all non-homestead users.

Kauai County
An average rainfall of 0.40 inch was measured by National Weather Service automated rain gauges on the island of Kauai this week. The majority of Kauai has a drought rating of abnormally dry, except for areas along the southern coast which are rated as moderate.

Agricultural Highlights

Orchards and Vegetables
Seasonal increases in insect activity is becoming a concern, but has generally been kept under control. Irrigation reservoirs remained at near-capacity levels. Regular harvesting of crops was observed this week.

Livestock and Pasture
Pastures were extremely dry in most areas, with very few signs of natural re- growth and reduced grazing capacity.