Sizzlin' Big Island Drought Drama
The Scorching Truth
Commencement of arid conditions sweeps across the entire island, resulting in an islandwide shortage of water.
It's a dry, dismal picture across the Big Island, as drought conditions have blanketed the entire island. The bulk of the isle finds itself in a moderate drought, but areas like Kohala and the Saddle region are slipping into a deeper crispiness, teetering on the edge of extremity[1]. That's according to the all-seeing Weather Service drought monitor.
Sizzlin' Struggles
The situation ain't pretty for the hardy folks in Hamakua and Kohala districts. They're seeing rough times, and the Climate Prediction Center's forecast paints a bleak picture – drier than dry days ahead[2]. Ranchers, such as the mighty Parker Ranch crew, are sounding the alarm, reporting devastating conditions in their neck of the woods.
In May alone, places like Honokaa got a mere 0.55 inches, a pitiful 8% of the usual monthly rainfall. Over in Waimea, they received 0.66 inches, an anemic 18% of their May norm. Kahua Ranch usually sees more than 3 inches of rain, but last month they managed a measly 0.93 inches.
Even windward areas are grappling with the reality of a drier-than-anticipated dry stretch. Laupahoehoe, for instance, logged 2.01 inches in May, a mere 18% of its usual moisture intake.
Ka Lae's Lament
Now, Ka Lae – South Point – is used to a dry May, but this year it's in the exceptional drought category, with only 0.64 inches of rain, just 36% of the average[1].
Parched Puna
Glenwood, nestled deep in the Puna rainforest, normally sees a hefty 15.89 inches of rain in May, but this year they only managed a paltry 3.1 inches – about one-fifth the usual[1].
"They had their driest May in almost 20 years," Tina Stall of the Weather Service noted[2].
It's rare that the Hilo International Airport measures more monthly rainfall than Glenwood, but in May they did – 4.51 inches, but still a scant 65% of what they'd expect[2].
Coffee Belt Bright Side
The one beacon of hope? The Kona coffee belt, which typically sees its wet season in the summer[2]. The place started off strong, with Waiaha leading the charge with a whopping 11.7 inches of rain – more than twice the norm[2]. The Kona airport even got a splash with 2 inches, more than treble its usual monthly intake[2].
Burning Risks
Fire Chief Kazuo Todd is feeling the heat. The droughty conditions are raising concerns about wildfire risks[4]. "We're concerned, and we do keep an eye on current drought conditions because they do impact the potential for fire spread," Todd explained[4].
West-side wind is often the primary culprit behind the speed of fire spread. But Todd emphasizes the importance of keeping tabs on all forecasts, weather conditions, and red flag warnings[4]. For now, they're just keeping a close watch, staying prepared for potential red flag alerts.
[1] - U.S. Drought Monitor[2] - Hawaii Tribune-Herald[3] - Big Island Now[4] - NWS Honolulu[5] - National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
In the face of the ongoing drought on the Big Island, weather science and environmental science become crucial in understanding and addressing the situation. Ranchers are witnessing devastating conditions due to the extreme dryness, and the weather forecast indicates drier days ahead for districts like Hamakua and Kohala.
