A record amount of rain fell on Hilo between Wednesday and Thursday, and consistent rainfall is forecast for the next several days.
According to the National Weather Service, 3.87 inches of rain fell on Hilo between 3:45 p.m. Wednesday and the same time Thursday, nearly doubling the previous record for that period. That record, 1.54 inches, was set last year.
The rain began Wednesday, with sudden heavy precipitation beginning in the afternoon, and continuing off-and-on through the night and Thursday morning. Despite that, Wednesday still set a heat record in Hilo for that date, reaching 90 degrees, one degree higher than the previous record, set in 1979.
National Weather Service meteorologist Melissa Dye said the two records stem from similar causes. The state is currently within a cycle of weak trade winds, typically associated with dry and hot weather on the Big Island.
As the trades return to the area, they bring with them moisture in the form of rainfall, Dye said.
The National Weather Service predicts strong chances for rain in Hilo throughout the weekend.
Today has a 60 percent chance of heavy rain, while the chance for showers on Saturday and Sunday will not drop below 50 percent.
Sunday night into Monday brings a 30 percent chance of scattered showers.
Source: Hawaii Tribune Herald
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