Update at 3:05 PM November 14: The National Weather Service forecast office in Honolulu replaced the fire watch previously in effect for all leeward areas of the state on Friday with a red flag warning from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

The combination of dry fuels, relative humidity as low as 40% to 45%, and strong easterly trade winds of 20 to 30 mph, with gusts up to 45 mph, will create critical fire conditions in these areas, including the Big Island .

Any fires that develop are likely to spread quickly.

However, a red flag warning does not predict that new fires will occur. It means that critical fire conditions are happening now or will happen soon.

Outdoor burning is not recommended.

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

High winds contribute to the risk of wildfires. Postpone activities that could throw off sparks until the wind dies down.

For actions you can take to protect life and property from wildfires, visit the Hawai’i Wildfire Management Organization.

Original post at 5am on November 14: The combination of dry fuels, low relative humidity and strong trade winds could lead to critical fire conditions in leeward parts of the state late this week.

The National Weather Service’s forecast office in Honolulu issued a fire warning for all leeward parts of the state, including the Big Island, on Friday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. ahead of possible fire weather.

Indoor portions of the Big Island are also included in the watch.

Northeasterly to easterly winds of 30 to 50 km/h are forecast, with gusts up to 80 km/h, with relative humidity as low as 40% to 50% in the areas being monitored.

A wind advisory is also in effect for most of the Big Island through Thursday.

The National Weather Service Hawai’i Synopsis said Wednesday at 8:42 p.m. that winds at lower elevations are expected to remain strong through Saturday, so the wind advisory will likely be extended.

A fire watch means that critical fire conditions are forecast. The public should pay attention to later forecasts and possible red flag warnings.

The Hawai’i Synopsis added that wind speeds will be at or near red flag thresholds, with breezy trade winds expected through Saturday.

Relative humidity across the state will be the limiting factor.

Moisture bands brought in by the trade winds moving in today are expected to maintain higher relative humidity levels; However, a flow of drier air could bring lower relative humidity on Friday.

Should a red flag warning be issued, outdoor burning is not recommended.

Visit the Hawai’i Wildfire Management Organization website for actions to protect life and property from wildfires.

A strong high-pressure system far north of the islands drives the strong trade winds that blow through the region.

The National Weather Service Hawai’i Synopsis said a dying cold front between the surface and the state will continue to weaken and move eastward, which could increase surface winds some today.

The high pressure system will remain nearly stationary over the next few days, with a very slow weakening trend. The strong winds are expected to continue until Saturday before decreasing to more moderate levels.

Hawaiian Electric is monitoring the increased fire risk.

If necessary to protect public safety, the utility could implement its Public Safety Power Shutoff Program to proactively turn off power in communities at high risk of wildfire.

Hawaiian Electric will provide updates before implementing a power shutoff as part of the program.

For more information and maps, call Hawaiian Electric’s Public Safety Power Shutoff hotline toll-free at 1-844-483-8666 or click here.

The utility’s emergency power shutoff plan includes:

• Keep a close eye on the weather.
• Coordinate with state and county emergency officials.
• We urge customers to prepare for possible power outages and make safety their top priority.

Safety is always Hawaiian Electric’s top priority. Customers are urged to make this their top priority as well:

• Check emergency equipment such as flashlights, backup generators, battery-powered radios (hand crank or solar), light sticks and lanterns to make sure they work, and purchase extra batteries.
• Be sure to have a battery-powered radio on hand so you can listen for updates on weather conditions and possible activation of the public safety power shutoff.
• If someone in your home relies on electrically powered life-sustaining medical equipment, check backup supplies.
• Plan where to go if an evacuation is ordered. If you need to go to the hospital or other emergency care, don’t forget to take your medical equipment and medications with you.
• If you plan to use a portable generator, make sure it is in a well-ventilated area outdoors and be sure to carefully follow all instructions in the manufacturer’s manual.
• Set your refrigerator and freezer to the coldest setting. If the power goes out, the food stays fresh longer.
• Turn off and unplug unnecessary electrical equipment, especially sensitive electronics. If a power outage occurs, this prevents damage from voltage spikes when power is restored.
• Don’t go out in the dark. You may not see a downed power line which could be live and dangerous.
• Avoid standing water and dirt.
• If you see a defective power line, assume it is live and dangerous. Stay at least 30 feet away from all power lines. Warn others to stay away.

Hawaiian Electric will provide regular updates through the news media and the following mobile-friendly sources:

You can also sign up online to receive emergency alerts.

For emergency assistance, please call 9-1-1. For Hawaiian Electric, you can call the utility’s Big Island trouble line at 808-969-6666.