This forecast was released on 11/14/24 during This Is Now. The HNN First Alert Weather team said Thursday and Friday would be FIRST ALERT WEATHER DAYS due to gusty trade winds and high downwind fire risk. A WIND ADVISORY is currently in effect for portions of Maui County and the Island of Hawaii. East winds are forecast between 20 and 30 miles per hour. Wind gusts could rise even higher, potentially reaching 40 miles per hour. A FIRE WEATHER WATCH will also be in effect for all leeward regions of the archipelago from Friday morning. This vigil will last until Friday afternoon. A pocket of dry air will move across the state, and the combination of low relative humidity, dry fuels and strong wind gusts will lead to increased fire risk. Even if it rains on the windward side of an island, many leeward regions remain in drought. HIGH SURF ADVISORY will also continue for north and west facing coastlines as very large swell continues to move away from the island chain. Surf on the north and west facing coasts is decreasing but will remain above advisory criteria until 6pm this evening. A HIGH SURF ADVISORY is also in effect for east-facing coastlines due to an approaching strong wind swell. Waves will continue to develop on east facing coasts and this advisory will last until 6 a.m. Saturday.