An elevated risk of wildfires will threaten parts of Hawaii into the weekend, despite the departure of nearby tropical activity, AccuWeather meteorologists say.
Much of the Hawaiian Islands are experiencing various stages of dry conditions with areas of moderate to extreme drought, according to the latest United States Drought Monitor.
The dry brush is potential fuel should sparks ignite a wildfire, as any fire could quickly grow and move. While winds are not as strong as the deadly situation that unfolded during Hurricane Dora's passage in early August 2023, there will be enough of an active breeze to create some risk.
"As of Thursday morning, local time, Keli's moisture had been absorbed by Iona, which was still hanging on as a tropical storm," AccuWeather Lead Hurricane Expert Alex DaSilva said. "But even as the pair continues to lose wind intensity and fade away well to the southwest, an area of high pressure will remain strong to the north and northeast of the islands."
This image was captured Thursday morning (local time) and shows the western and central Pacific. Tropical Storm Iona can be seen in the lower left, Hawaii in the upper left of center and Tropical Storm Gil in the far lower right. (AccuWeather Enhanced RealVue&trade Satellite)
