The National Weather Service in San Juan has issued an alert for the U.S. Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico, cautioning that an approaching upper-level trough combined with high atmospheric moisture is expected to bring significant rainfall by the end of the workweek, with the greatest impacts anticipated on Friday and Saturday.
Meteorologists are closely monitoring this developing weather pattern, which is projected to bring widespread rainfall across the region. The southeastern and eastern parts of Puerto Rico, along with the islands of Vieques, Culebra, and the U.S. Virgin Islands, are forecast to receive the heaviest precipitation.
According to the latest forecasts, these areas face a moderate chance—between 40 and 60 percent—of experiencing between 2 to 4 inches of rain per day, with some localized spots potentially seeing up to 6 inches. Other areas across Puerto Rico may receive between 1 to 2 inches of rain, with isolated higher totals possible.
This rainfall comes at a time when the ground across much of the region is already saturated. Rivers and tributaries throughout Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands are running well above normal levels following a wet month, particularly in central and eastern Puerto Rico.
The National Weather Service has emphasized that this combination of saturated soils and heavy rainfall could lead to a range of hazardous conditions, including flash flooding, urban flooding, and river flooding. In hilly or mountainous areas, there is also a heightened threat of mudslides.
The agency warns that any prolonged period of heavy rain, especially during peak accumulation periods on Friday and Saturday, could quickly overwhelm local drainage systems. Residents in low-lying, flood-prone, and mountainous areas are urged to remain vigilant and prepare accordingly.
Officials recommend staying informed through official weather updates and advisories as the weekend approaches. Local emergency management agencies may issue additional warnings or take precautionary measures depending on how the weather evolves over the next 48 hours.
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