Batten down the hatches — here come more winds.

The Islands can expect strong gusty trades and windward and mountain showers this weekend, with winds slowly increasing in velocity throughout today, the National Weather Service reported.

A high-wind watch will be in effect on all islands from 6 p.m. tonight through Sunday afternoon, the NWS said.

This comes less than a month after schools were closed and government workers told to stay home on Jan. 16 because of a high-wind forecast. Still, today's prediction of sustained winds from 15 to 30 mph, with gusts of up to 40 mph, falls short of those called for last month, when gusts of 60 mph were predicted but never materialized.

Nevertheless, "the Islands will be buffeted by some strong, gusty trade winds," said NWS meteorologist Henry Lau. "People should tie down any loose objects that are exposed to winds that will be blowing from the northeast and east."

Lau said the stiff winds, brought in by a high pressure system to the north and east, will affect all islands in the chain. Areas within ridges and valleys could be especially susceptible to stronger gusts because air currents tend to "funnel," or pick up speed, in those areas, he said.

At least last night's rains should have given way to milder showers by this morning, he said.

"All those heavy showers and thunder storms will be heading out, replaced by normal trade- wind showers," Lau said.

Skies will remain partly cloudy today. High temperatures will be in the 79- to 84-degree range, while overnight lows should range from 64 to 69 degrees.