Big chill gives way to gradual warming

Advertiser staff

By Hawai'i standards, last night was double-blanket cold.

The National Weather Service said temperatures dropped to 58 in Kahului, 59 in Lihu'e and 61 in Hilo.

Honolulu was a warm 63 degrees and Kona practically balmy at 69 degrees.

"Oh yes, it was pretty cool by local standards," said Jeff Powell, a weather service meteorologist.

The chilly conditions were the product of a combination of light winds, clear skies and relatively dry weather, Powell said. That gave Monday night and last night a real wintery feel.

But the worst is over. Sort of.

"It will start warming up," he said. "Just a couple of degrees. Gradual warming."