Drought — Big Island North, Hawaii

2026-01-01 to 2026-01-31 · Big Island North, Hawaii

Event narrative

D3 extreme drought existed over portions of the Hamakua District. Below average monthly rainfall led to continued adverse agricultural impacts across northern pastures. Supplemental livestock feeding was required due to persistent water shortages, especially in the Hamakua and Kau Districts. Ranchers weaned cattle early and destocked cows due to lack of available pasture feed, as well as having to haul water in and move cattle to the Kona District for better grazing conditions. Many reports cite not seeing conditions like this since around 2008.

Wider weather episode

Below average rainfall allowed severe to extreme drought conditions to continue across portions of the Big Island.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 1315351. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.