Winter Weather Advisory Extended for Mauna Kea, Mauna Loa Summits

Forecasters warn of snow, freezing rain, and strong winds through Friday evening

Apr. 10, 2026 at 1:39am

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A sweeping, atmospheric landscape painting depicting the snow-capped peaks of Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa shrouded in heavy fog and dramatic lighting, conveying the overwhelming scale and sublime power of Hawaii's volcanic summits.Hawaii's volcanic summits are transformed by a rare winter storm, underscoring the raw power of nature and the challenges faced by those who venture to the islands' highest elevations.Hawaiian Beaches Today

The National Weather Service has extended a winter weather advisory for the summits of Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa on Hawaii's Big Island, where forecasters say up to 6 inches of snow and a quarter-inch of ice accumulation are possible, along with wind gusts reaching 60 mph. The advisory is in effect until 6 p.m. Friday, and officials are urging caution for anyone traveling to the summits due to hazardous conditions.

Why it matters

Hawaii's high-elevation summits on Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa are home to some of the world's most advanced astronomical observatories. Extreme winter weather can pose significant risks to both the facilities and anyone attempting to access the summits, requiring close monitoring and precautions from officials.

The details

The National Weather Service said an upper-level low is increasing moisture over the Big Island, bringing the potential for wintry precipitation across the summits above 12,500 feet. Forecasters warned that icy conditions and snowfall could make travel to the summits difficult or impossible, with significantly reduced visibility expected at times.

  • The winter weather advisory is in effect until 6 p.m. Friday, April 10, 2026.
  • The advisory originally took effect at 6 a.m. on Wednesday, April 8, 2026.

The players

National Weather Service

The federal agency responsible for weather forecasting and issuing weather advisories and warnings across the United States.

Mauna Kea

A dormant volcano on the Big Island of Hawaii, home to some of the world's most advanced astronomical observatories.

Mauna Loa

An active volcano on the Big Island of Hawaii, the largest active volcano in the world.

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What’s next

Authorities are urging anyone planning to travel to the Mauna Kea or Mauna Loa summits to closely monitor weather forecasts and be prepared for rapidly changing conditions. Officials may issue further advisories or warnings if the winter weather persists or worsens.

The takeaway

Hawaii's high-altitude summits can experience extreme winter weather that poses significant risks to both scientific facilities and public safety. Careful monitoring and precautions are essential to protect both people and critical infrastructure during these rare but potentially dangerous events.