HONOLULU (KHON2) — This year’s dry season was one of the driest in the last thirty years for Hawaiʻi. Now, the wet season has begun, and we can expect drought conditions to improve significantly across the state.
NOAA has forecasted the upcoming wet season to last until April 2026 and have above-average rainfall, especially across the northern half of the state.
The increase in rainfall could significantly improve, if not eliminate, drought conditions across the state after the wet season ends, NOAA reported.
The upcoming rain is expected to be affected by the strength of La Niña events. The strength of La Niña events can be on the weaker side for Hawaiʻi to still experience above-average rainfall.
The 2025 dry season, which lasted from May through September, saw below-average rainfall for Maui County and the Big Island, except for Kona.
NOAA reported that the 2025 dry season was the third driest within the last 30 years. 2010 is still to be reported as the driest, with 2007 coming second.
NOAA Wet Season Reminders
- Avoid driving on roads with fast-flowing water, which can sweep a majority of vehicles off the road, even in just 1 to 2 feet.
- Proceed with caution on hikes with flooded streams. If you do find yourself stranded, it is best to remain put and let the water recede.
- Traffic can be heavily impacted by rainy weather, resulting in increased travel times, road closures, flooding and landslides.
- Events that are scheduled to be outdoors may see cancellations, delays and adjustments.
- Increased chances of lightning strikes can cause power outages, be prepared for power outages.
- Homes in flood-prone zones should have an evacuation plan in case of an emergency.
You can monitor drought conditions across the state here and NOAA’s daily forecast here.
NOAA wants to remind the community that while forecasts can be reliable, it is much harder to predict when looking into long-term time periods such as weeks or months.