KAILUA-KONA — More wintry weather is forecast for the Big Island summits, just days after a powerful winter storm dusted Maunakea and Mauna Loa, and Haleakala on Maui.
Very cold air aloft will move over the islands through Friday. Additionally, moisture is expected to occasionally spread to the elevations of the summits, with bouts of winter weather expected, National Weather Service forecasters in Honolulu said Tuesday.
Periods of freezing rain and snow are possible, forecasters said in issuing a winter storm watch that’s set to go into effect Wednesday morning for the Big Island and remain posted until late Thursday. Up to 3 inches of snow could fall.
“While one round is expected overnight and early Wednesday, a more significant shot of cold air aloft around Thursday will likely bring a better shot of wintry weather,” wrote Honolulu-based forecaster Tom Birchard in a weather discussion issued Tuesday morning.
The Mauna Kea Access Road was closed as of press time Tuesday due to “strong and gusty winds along with hazardous conditions from damages that happened over the weekend with the extremely high winds.”
Meanwhile, visitors will have to enjoy the highest peak of Maui from down below. The summit area of Haleakala National Park was closed Tuesday because of “extreme winter conditions.”
Park officials said that snow, ice, fallen trees and rocks were making the area dangerous, The Associated Press reported.
A winter storm warning is in effect for the Maui summit until 6 a.m. Friday, according to the National Weather Service. Up to an inch of snow is forecast to fall.