A high surf advisory is in effect for the north and west shores of most Hawaiian Islands, the National Weather Service announced Thursday.

The advisory remains in effect until 6 p.m. Saturday as a west-northwest swell hits the isles.

Surf of 18 to 22 feet is expected along the north and west shores of Niihau and Kauai, the weather service said.

Surf of 12 to 16 feet is expected along the north shores of Oahu, Molokai and Maui.

The west shores of Oahu and Molokai can expected waves in the 8- to 12-foot range, while the west shores of Hawaii island could see 6- to 8-foot surf, the agency said.

Strong breaking waves and longshore and rip currents could make swimming dangerous, forecasters warned.

A small craft advisory is also in effect until 6 p.m. Saturday, with seas of 6 to 12 feet in the channels and in waters to the northwest.

Meanwhile, light winds and a relative stable atmosphere will continue to keep relatively dry conditions over the state into the weekend. A front approaching from the northwest will bring more clouds to the islands this weekend, and a few more showers, the weather service said.

The front is expected to dissipate before reaching Oahu. Light tradewinds could return briefly Monday.