NOAA forecasters released their predictions of the coming wet season for the state Monday, anticipating a drier than normal season that will likely not quench the drought conditions.

However, the forecast does predict that the possibility for heavier rainfall could be prevalent during late Winter and into Spring.

These predictions are based on a moderate to weak El Nino system that has been slow to develop according to meteorologists.

This means that while the heavier rain late in the season could help drought conditions on Maui and the Big Island, it is unlikely to completely quench them due to the intensity and long duration of the current drought conditions.

Forecasters believe that Kauai could see the end of their drought, a prediction that was not shared for Oahu.

The breakdown of the precipitation for the 2012 Summer season showed below average rainfall for several sites, particularly Leeward locations. That led to a continuation or worsening of the drought situation for all four counties during the 5-month period.

Severe drought conditions have affected portions of the state continuously since June 2008.