Environment

Moderate Drought Holds on St. Thomas and St. John as Dry Season Tightens Grip on USVI

While drought conditions remain absent across most of Puerto Rico and St. Croix, moderate drought continues to affect St. Thomas and St. John as the northeastern Caribbean moves deeper into its dry season, according to the latest regional climate and drought assessment. The U.S. Drought Monitor update valid January 27, shows Moderate Drought (D1) persisting on St. Thomas and St. John, while Abnormally Dry (D0) conditions are present on St. Croix. Puerto Rico remains largely drought-free, with only pockets of abnormal dryness along portions of the northwestern coast and eastern regions. No drought development is expected in Puerto Rico over the next three months. Across the region, drier-than-normal conditions have persisted in the U.S. Virgin Islands and parts of Puerto Rico, driven in part by high winds that continue to dry out soils. Although intermittent rainfall has occurred, it has not been sufficient to significantly recharge groundwater or improve long-term soil moisture in th...