Watch Issued for Hawaii

Highlights:

• Hurricane Ignacio is located roughly 525 miles east-southeast of Hilo, Hawaii Saturday afternoon, EDT.
• Hurricane Ignacio strengthened to a Category 3 hurricane Saturday. Slow weakening is forecast by Sunday.
• Ignacio is not a threat to land this weekend, but may come close to Hawaii as early as Monday Tuesday.
• A tropical storm watcis in effect for the Big Island of Hawaii.
• Interests in the Hawaiian Islands should monitor the progress of this latest hurricane.

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Latest Storm Information

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Ignacio Watches/Warnings

Watches mean conditions are possible within 48 hours. Warnings mean conditions are expected within 36 hours.

Ignacio continues to strengthen in a favorable environment for tropical cyclone, just over 500 miles east-southeast of the Big Island of Hawaii. Wind shear remains somewhat low and ocean temperatures are still warm. Ignacio is likely to remain a major hurricane for at least the next 12 to 24 hours. 

Later this weekend, however, conditions are expected to become less favorable, with an increase in wind shear and slightly cooler water temperatures, so a weakening trend is likely as it approaches the Hawaiian Islands.

The increase in wind shear is thanks to the proximity of the subtropical jet over the Hawaiian Islands. As Ignacio gains latitude, it will likely face increased shear, which tends to push convection away from the center of tropical cyclones.

http://www.weather.com/storms/hurricane/news/tropical-storm-ignacio-hurricane-eastern-pacific-hawaii-august-2015