A red-flag warning for leeward areas on all islands has been extended until 6 a.m. tomorrow.

The National Weather Service says gusty trade winds and low humidity, especially in the afternoon and early evening, will keep fire weather conditions at a critical level.

Highs today will be 80 to 85 degrees with east winds at 15 to 20 mph with higher gusts.

High pressure to the north will keep moderate to brisk trade winds blowing across the state through tomorrow, the weather service says in its forecast synopsis. Rainfall will be light, and limited mainly to windward slopes.

The red-flag warning comes as firefighters on Maui continue to fight a stubborn brushfire in the Olowalu area and a day after the weather service's monthly drought report pointed to persistent dry conditions on Maui and the Big Island.

Drought conditions have eased on Kauai, with ranchers reporting improved pasture conditions.

But on Oahu, rapidly dropping levels in the Waimanalo reservoir have prompted state officials to impose water restrictions.

The weather service says Hawaii has entered its normal dry season, and that El Nino conditions favor the probability of below-normal rainfall.

———

On the Net:

National Weather Service Honolulu Forecast Office: http://www.prh.noaa.gov/hnl/

National Weather Service Drought Information Statement: http://www.prh.noaa.gov/data/HFO/DGTHFO