By Hawaii 24/7 Staff

The National Weather Service in Honolulu has extended the Red Flag Warning for Kona, Ka‘u and also Leeward Kohala through 6 p.m. Monday (Jan 30) due to strong winds and low humidity.

Winds for Kona and Ka‘u are estimated to be 15-25 mph from the Northeast with gusts up to 35 mph. The relative humidity is forecast to be as low as 44 percent.

Winds for Leeward Kohala are forecast to be 20-30 mph with gusts up to 40 mph with a relative humdity as low as 44 percent.

The Red Flag Warning means critical fire weather conditions are either occurring or will shortly due to a combination of strong winds, low relative humdity and warm temperatures. Fires during this time have the potential to grow rapidly.