UPDATE: 4:10 PM

The National Weather Service has issued a red flag warning for the leeward areas of all Hawaiian Islands as high winds and low humidity increase the risk of wildfires. The warning applies Friday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m

“A combination of strong winds, low relative humidity and dry fuels could contribute to extreme fire behavior,” forecasters said. “Any fire that develops is likely to spread quickly. A red flag warning does not predict that new fires will occur.”

The weather service predicts easterly winds of 20 to 30 mph with gusts up to 45 mph and relative humidity of only 40 to 45 percent.

Forecasters advise:

>> Outdoor burning is not recommended.

>> Heat from vehicle exhaust systems can ignite dry grass. Park cars in areas that are paved or where vegetation is being pruned and cleared.

>> Postpone activities that could throw off sparks until the wind dies down.

RELATED STORY: Wildfire near Maalaea Harbor forces a brief closure of the Honoapiilani Highway

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PREVIOUS COVERAGE

Hazardous conditions are forecast across the Hawaiian Islands, with multiple advisories from the National Weather Service due to high winds, high surf and increased fire risk.

A gale warning has been issued until 6pm on Friday for the waters around the islands, where wind speeds are expected to be 34 to 47 knots. Weather officials are advising sailors to avoid the affected areas due to dangerous seas.

A high surf advisory is in effect today until 6 p.m., with waves expected to reach up to 10 feet high today on the north and west coasts of several islands, including Kauai, Oahu, Molokai and the north coast of Maui.

A high surf advisory is also in effect for the east coast of Oahu, Maui, Molokai, Hawaii Island and Kauai through 6 a.m. Saturday, with waves reaching 8 to 12 feet Friday.

Weather officials warn that these waves could pose hazards along the coastline, especially in exposed coastal areas.

On land, a wind advisory is in effect through 6 a.m. Saturday for the islands of Lanai, Maui, Molokai and Hawaii, with easterly winds of 20 to 30 mph and gusts expected to reach 50 mph. The NWS warns that the high winds could cause downed trees and power outages, especially in exposed and elevated areas.

In addition, a small vessel consultancy continues to operate in the coastal waters around the islands, where rough seas can make conditions dangerous for smaller vessels.

Finally, a fire watch will be issued from Friday morning through the afternoon for leeward areas, where high winds and low humidity increase the risk of wildfires.

According to the NWS, gusty trade winds are expected to continue across the state through the weekend, with periods of showers mainly occurring in the windward and mauka areas. Some showers may also reach leeward areas as the wind carries bands of rain across the islands.

A pocket of drier air is expected to move into the area on Friday, which could create critical fire conditions, especially in leeward zones where humidity may drop.

Increased moisture is expected to return on Saturday, likely resulting in an increase in shower activity, particularly along windward slopes and coasts.