Drought in Hawaii, September 1 to 30, 1998

September was a month of contrast, with many windward sections of the islands receiving above normal rainfall and leeward areas continuing to be drier than average. Only Oahu reported below normal rainfall amounts for nearly all reporting sites.A high pressure system remained entrenched north of the islands throughout the month, with trade showers being the main rainfall producer. However, there were five days with heavier than normal shower activity on the Big Island due primarily to afternoon heating.Below are rainfall statistics for selected locations from around the state. The first column is the rainfall for the month of September. The second has the 30-year average for each location, while the third column is the percent of average rainfall for the month of September. September 98 Avg. % Avg.Oahu Honolulu 0.05 0.8 6 Manoa Arbor. 9.35 10.5 89 Hawaii Kai 0.39 0.9 43 Ahuimanu 4.55 4.4 103 Waianae 0.10 0.7 14 Waialua 0.53 1.1 48Maui Kahului 0.42 0.4 105 Hana 3.01 5.4 56 Kihei 0.00 0.2 0 Lahainaluna 0.11 0.6 18 Wailuku 0.96 0.6 160Island of Hawaii Hilo 10.76 8.5 127 Pahala 1.14 3.4 34 Honaunau (Capt. Cook) 5.32 7.2 74 Kamuela (Upper) 5.55 2.3 241 Kamuela 4.65 2.2 211 Laupahoehoe 10.59 6.9 153Molokai Kaunakakai 0.52 0.2 260