(BIVN) – The High Surf Advisory in effect for the Big Island now includes West Hawaiʻi.

The National Weather Service in Honolulu says that a reinforcing northwest swell will bring an increase in surf today across exposed north and west facing shores. Forecasters say the northwest swell should stay elevated through this evening and gradually begin to decrease late tonight.

Surf along east facing shores will continue to stay elevated through the weekend and the high surf advisory will likely need to be extended later this week, the weather service says.

Surf heights will be 5 to 8 feet along east facing shores of the Big Island today, and 6 to 10 feet along exposed west facing shores.

The National Weather Service has also issued a Gale Watch for the Alenuihaha Channel, which is in effect from this evening through late Friday night. East winds will be 25 to 35 kt, and seas will be 8 to 12 feet.

“A Gale Watch is issued when the risk of gale force winds of 34 to 47 knots has significantly increased but the specific timing and/or location is still uncertain. It is intended to provide additional lead time for mariners who may wish to consider altering their plans,” the forecasters say.