As part of our air quality study in Lahaina, Maui, we have been investigating the impact of wind during last year’s devastating wildfire event. Windspeed data provided by researchers at the University of Hawaii at Manoa was transformed into wind data maps for further spatial analysis. We aim to make this information available to the public, encouraging ongoing research and collaboration.

Maui Wind Map August 8, 2023

Exploring the Connection Between Wind and Air Pollution

There is a complex mix of factors that affect the indoor concentration of wildfire pollutants:

  • Regional factors: Such as distance from wildfire-affected areas, altitude, wind speed, and direction.
  • Building-related factors: For example, HVAC system characteristics and the leakiness of building envelopes.
  • Occupants’ behavior: Including opening windows and using portable air cleaners.

Building on the University of Hawaii at Manoa’s wind data, we created maps using the Maui Digital Elevation Model (DEM). This model accurately represents the topographic surface of the land without displaying trees, buildings, and other surface objects. The maps aim to investigate the impacts of wind speed and direction on outdoor air pollutant levels.

Observed Wind Speed During the Wildfire Event

The wind maps show wind speeds exceeding 29 MPH (13m/s) in the Lahaina region during the wildfires on August 8, 2023. In other parts of the island, wind velocities of over 100 MPH (49m/s) were observed. The following wind maps confirm residents’ observations that high windspeeds from the adjacent mountains helped spread the fires in Lahaina.

Wind speed map in Maui on August 1 and August 8, 2023.
Wind maps: Wind speeds in Maui (HI) on August 1 and August 8, 2023.

Facilitating Research Through Open Access

We generated wind maps for August 2023. Together with the University of Hawaii at Manoa, we want to make this data accessible to the public to benefit other studies. Comprehensive research is essential for deepening our understanding of how wildfires spread and how we can effectively prepare for future catastrophic events. By investing in this knowledge, we can better protect our communities and the environment.

The data can be accessed through the following link: Wind Data Maps in Lahaina Region during the 2023 Maui Wildfires

Citation

Vosoughifar, Hamidreza; Ferguson, Lauren; Pei, Gen; Azimi, Parham; Bateni, Sayed; Allen, Joseph, 2024, “Wind Data Maps in Lahaina Region during the 2023 Maui Wildfires”, https://doi.org/10.7910/DVN/YQPWKG, Harvard Dataverse, V1