Categorized | Agriculture, Weather

Hawaii weekly crop weather report

MEDIA RELEASE

Weather Review for for the week ending September 12, 2010

Rainfall over the past week dropped back down for most areas on all islands. Areas on the Big Island, which received nearly two inches last week, had rainfall levels decrease to sub one inch totals. Water levels in the Waimanalo Irrigation System were up again, with rainfall increasing in the area for the second week in a row to a modest half an inch for the week. The Drought Monitor indications remained the same as the previous week’s with 97.8 percent of the State under some type of drought condition. Dry conditions were cited as an aiding the quick spreading of a handful of small brush fires on central and north Oahu last week, highlighting dry conditions.

HIGHLIGHTS: A record daily maximum rainfall of .07 inches was set at Kahului [Maui] on Monday September 6th. This breaks the old record of .06 inches set in 1996.

Hawaii County
On the Big Island the situation on the leeward side remains the same with little green at lower elevations. Drought has caused feral donkeys to wander onto resort properties in the Waikoloa area in search of water and green lawns. The Aimee Irrigation System water level was marked at 49.5 feet on Friday, September 10th; no change from the previous week’s reading.

Maui County
Skies were mostly clear throughout the week. As the week progressed temperatures went up, hitting 90 degrees Fahrenheit at Kahului Airport on Saturday. Rainfall was up for the most part across Maui County, the County which was the only county to see an overall increase in rain gauge totals. The Hana gauge totals were over a quarter inch higher than last week’s. However, the gauge has only received 1.1 inches overall this month. This is only 18 percent of normal totals while already 12 days, or 40 percent, into the month of September. The Molokai Irrigation System water level was marked at 14 feet on Friday, September 10th; no change from the previous week’s reading. Phase III mandatory conservation measures remained in effect. Measures included a MANDATORY 30 percent conservation in usage from all non-homestead users.

Honolulu County
Sunny, but dry, weather was persistent throughout the week. High temperatures hovered near 87-88 degrees and did not go over 90 at the Honolulu Airport station. The Waimanalo Irrigation System water level was marked at 22 feet on Friday, September 10th; an increase of 16 percent from the previous week’s reading of 19 feet. Phase III mandatory conservation measures remained in effect. Measures included a MANDATORY 30 percent reduction in use and water service limited to Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays between the hours of 7 am and 3:30 pm.

Kauai County
Skies were clear to partly cloudy with light and passing showers concentrated on the northern and windward coasts. Mt Waialeale received a comparatively large amount of rainfall to the rest of the State, accumulating approximately 1.4 inches of rain over a six hour period on Tuesday afternoon. This was the highest six hour rainfall total for the location since August 8th.

Agricultural Highlights

Orchards
Clear skies led to outstanding conditions for irrigated orchards.

Vegetables
Irrigated crops were in good condition. Moderate temperatures and clear skies were beneficial for crops

Livestock and Pasture
Conditions remained mixed based on location but the general conditions remained dry. Ranchers continue to haul water and feed and some have reported thinning herds due to costs.

For full PDF report click here

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