While rain activity is expected to be lighter today, a combination of local weather factors will bring afternoon showers and isolated thunderstorms to Puerto Rico’s central interior and northern areas. The U.S. Virgin Islands also remain under weather advisories as saturated soils and coastal conditions create heightened risks of flooding, landslides, and dangerous marine conditions.
According to the National Weather Service in San Juan, Puerto Rico, the impact of light wind flow, daytime heating, and variations in local sea breezes will contribute to today’s afternoon rainfall. The central and northern parts of Puerto Rico are anticipated to receive the heaviest activity. However, with soils already saturated from previous days’ rain, even moderate showers pose a significant flooding risk, as well as the possibility of mudslides and rapid river rises in these regions.
Coastal conditions across Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands are forecasted to remain challenging throughout the day, due to waves from a northerly swell. These conditions pose additional hazards for beachgoers, boaters, and other marine activities.
Weather Advisories and Risks in Effect
- Flooding Threat: A limited to elevated risk of flooding is present across Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands, raising concerns for vulnerable areas, especially those already impacted by previous rains.
- Mudslide Threat: The combination of ongoing rainfall and saturated soil increases the potential for mudslides in hilly and mountainous areas.
Marine and Coastal Hazards
Several advisories are in effect for north-facing beaches and waters surrounding Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands:
- High Rip Current Risk: Beaches from Rincón to Fajardo, Culebra, Vieques, St. Thomas, and St. John face a high risk of rip currents until this afternoon. The hazard level is expected to reduce to moderate by Thursday, though a new swell later in the week could renew risks.
- High Surf Advisory: Northerly swell conditions will affect north-facing beaches, with waves reaching 8 to 10 feet, creating dangerous swimming conditions and the potential for minor beach erosion. This advisory covers the northern shores from Aguadilla to Fajardo, including Culebra, St. Thomas, and St. John.
- Small Craft Advisory: The Atlantic waters surrounding Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands are under a Small Craft Advisory, urging caution for boaters as choppy waters persist.
Today’s coastal conditions are expected to improve by Thursday, yet another swell forecasted later in the week may bring renewed marine hazards, with conditions that could again deteriorate along the coast.
With these advisories in place, officials urge the public to exercise caution, particularly in areas where coastal hazards are present, and to stay updated on weather conditions.
