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Weather Review
Light showers picked up as tradewinds became very windy late in the week. Showers were passing and heavier on the windward sides. Most precipitation was limited to morning hours and dried quickly as the day progressed and tradewinds picked up and aided evaporation. The Drought Monitor showed no change from the previous week. Hawaii Department of Agricultural irrigation systems were slightly up from the week prior on all islands except Molokai. Farmers in windward areas report that farms are in fair condition on Oahu. Due to dry conditions in most areas irrigation is required. Crops where irrigation is not available are reported to be in poor conditions.
Hawaii County
Windward gauges on the Big Island garnered nearly an inch and a half of rain, similar to the previous week’s totals. As with the previous week, the majority of the total weekly rainfall fell over a couple days and was not evenly distributed throughout the week. The Waimea Irrigation System water level was marked at 50 feet on Friday, July 30th; an increase of 1 percent from the previous week’s reading of 49.5 feet.
Maui County
The most intense winds over the week blew on Maui where winds blew at speeds well over 40 miles per hour. Even with light showers over the second half of the week, the Kula rain gauge ended the month of July with only 12.5 percent of normal total monthly rainfall. Of monitored gauges for this report, 12.5 percent represents the largest relative disparity of monthly rainfall for the month of July for the State. Also, small brush fire razed 170 acres in Kahului, no reports were available on an agricultural impacts or value of damage. The Molokai Irrigation System water level was marked at 15.5 feet on Friday, July 30th; a decrease of 3 percent from previous week’s reading of 16 feet. A mandatory 20 percent reduction in use remained in effect for all non-homestead users.
Honolulu County
Central Oahu received the largest amount of rain as tradewinds blew in showers as the week progressed. Nighttime and early morning showers did not bring saturating rains, rather light misting showers, which evaporated by mid-morning. The Waimanalo Irrigation System water level was marked at 10.5 feet on Friday, July 30th; an increase of 2 percent from the previous week’s reading of 10.25 feet. Phase III Critical Low mandatory conservation measures remained in effect. Measures included a REQUIRED 30% reduction in use and water service limited to Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays between the hours of 7 am and 3:30 pm.
Kauai County
No significant changes in weather or crop conditions occurred over the past week. Although cloud cover was increased, Kauai was not as privy as the remainder of the State as rainfall totals in most locations either remained the same or decreased from the prior week.
Agricultural Highlights
Orchards
Orchards were in good condition where irrigated. Minor wind damage occurred in isolated areas.
Vegetables
No change, irrigated crops maintained healthy yields. Some wind damage was reported to trellised crops.
Livestock and Pasture
Rainfall was not significant enough to result in any kind of major recovery. as haling of water and feed continued.
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