Tropical cylcone to dissipate before reaching islands

LIHUE — A tropical depression 2,150 miles east-southeast of Lihue is expected to dissipate on Saturday before reaching the state, but may bring some moisture later in the week, according to meteorologists at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration on Monday. 

John Bravender, NOAA meteorologist, said Tropical Depression 8E is moving toward Hawaii in a west-northwest direction and is currently 35 mph.

“It’s expected to strengthen to a low-end tropical storm within about 24 hours and stay at a 40 mph tropical storm for the next couple of days,” he said.

The 5 p.m. Monday forecast has it dissipating before it reaches the islands.

Bravender said some variation in track is possible.

“It’s looking like it will track westward past south of the state,” he said. “It’s still pretty early what impact we’ll see from it. Could be an increase in moisture, depending how close it approaches. That will certainly bear watching.”

If 8E becomes a tropical storm in the eastern Pacific, it will be named Guillermo, according to the National Weather Service.

NOAA forecasts that trade winds will strengthen, and a typical windward and mauka rainfall will become established by Wednesday.