New Storm Increases Wildfire Risk In Hawaii

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Hawaii, already the site of one of the most deadly wildfires of recent years, faces the risk of more fires in the next few days. A storm about to hit the islands will arrive with winds that could reach combustible brush and trees.

Wildfires that spread across a portion of the island of Maui in August 2023 killed at least 102 people. The fires were partially blamed on high winds and drought. Wind gusts of 80 MPH were measured in part of the catastrophe area. However, the largest wildfire in history was much more extensive.

High Winds

AccuWeather Chief On-Air Meteorologist Bernie Rayno said, “An area of high pressure is north of Hawaii right now. Trade winds are blowing in from the east-northeast. The upper high is going to produce a southeasterly steering flow, which will steer this tropical threat toward Hawaii as we approach the weekend.”

Although the storm will bring rain, some parts of the islands, particularly the Big Island and Maui, have been dry for several weeks.

Dought And Hurricanes

This is another example of persistent conditions in which weather causes catastrophes, and the local population can do little or nothing about it. This is true with drought and wind conditions in the West, particularly California and Oregon, and hurricane threats to Florida and Georgia. These storms can also be expensive.