The Honolulu office of the National Weather Service has issued a fire weather watch for leeward areas of all islands today.

The watch means that conditions are favorable for brush fires, specifically gusty trade winds and low humidity.

Forecasters said the watch is in effect today from noon through 6 p.m., but similar conditions are possible Friday afternoon.

The forecast calls for winds gusting up to 40 mph and humidity at 40 to 45 percent.

The weather service said a watch does not predict new fire starts, but means that critical conditions are forecast.