Updated 4/25/24 at 7:00 p.m. AST
VI SOURCE WEATHER UPDATES
! An unstable weather pattern this week may result in periods of heavy rainfall and minor flooding. Additionally, Saharan dust will be prevalent in the atmosphere.
A NEW Daily Weather Update Video for Friday, April 26, and the weekend ahead is available here!
Article: Colorado State University Predicts Extremely Active 2024 Atlantic Hurricane Season
Article: La Niña Weather Pattern May Spawn an Active 2024 Atlantic Hurricane Season
Series: “Extreme Weather in the Caribbean”
- Part 1: Caribbean Earthquakes and Tsunamis
- Part 2: Caribbean Volcanoes
- Part 3: Rip Currents
- Part 4: Hurricanes
- Part 5: Wildfires
- Part 6: Flash Floods
- An article about earthquakes in the Caribbean is available here!
- An informational video about drought conditions in the USVI is available here!
FRIDAY’S WEATHER FORECAST: 4/26/24
Happy Friday!
According to the National Weather Service (NWS) in San Juan, Puerto Rico, Friday will be mostly sunny and hazy, with isolated showers. The high temperature will be approximately 87°F, 30.5°C, with winds out of the east at about 13 to 15 mph. An unsettled weather pattern is forecast across the region through the next several days, and heavy precipitation and thunderstorms are sometimes possible. The possibility of rain on Friday is approximately 20%, and minor flooding is possible. On Friday, Saharan dust is forecast to be prevalent in the atmosphere across the islands again.
Friday night will be mostly cloudy, with scattered showers. The low temperature will be approximately 76°F, 24.4°C, and winds out of the east at about 15 to 17 mph, gusting up to 22 mph. The possibility of rain on Friday night is approximately 60%.
Below: Infrared satellite imagery obtained at 6:40 p.m. AST on Thursday indicates a mostly cloudy sky around the USVI and Puerto Rico. Precipitation is possible.
MARINE WEATHER UPDATE
The NWS has noted that a small northwesterly swell is forecast to impact the islands, and gusty winds may generate some wind-driven, choppy seas.
On Friday, seas will be approximately 3 to 5 feet, with occasional seas up to 6 feet and a swell period of 10 seconds. Winds will be out of the east at about 10 to 15 knots.
On Friday night, seas will be approximately 2 to 4 feet, with occasional seas up to 5 feet and a swell period of 10 seconds. Winds will be out of the east at about 10 to 15 knots.
The water temperature is approximately 83-84°F, approximately 28°C.
Ocean Water Temperature Map from 4/24/24, courtesy of NOAA:
Wave Height Forecast Map courtesy of NWS:
HAZARDOUS CONDITIONS
Rip Currents: The risk of rip currents is projected to be moderate across most of the region on Friday.
Clear = Low Rip Current Risk
Yellow = Moderate Rip Current Risk
Red = High Rip Current Risk
Learn more about rip current safety in an interview between the NWS and the VI Source here.
TROPIC WATCH
Tropical Activity: The National Hurricane Center does not expect any cyclonic development over the next seven days.
A possible La Niña Weather Pattern May Spawn an Active 2024 Atlantic Hurricane Season. Read more here. Additionally, Colorado State University Predicts Extremely Active 2024 Atlantic Hurricane Season.
Click here to learn tips on being prepared for the 2024 Atlantic Hurricane Season.
Days Until 2024 Atlantic Hurricane Season: 36 Days
OBSERVATIONS
Sunrise: 5:57 a.m.
Sunset: 6:40 p.m.
Ocean water temperature: Approximately 83-84°F, approximately 28°C.
UV index: 10+ out of 10 (VERY HIGH)
Thursday’s high temperature: 87°F, 30.5°C
Thursday’s low temperature: 78°F, 25.5°C
Preparation for extreme weather events in the Caribbean, such as earthquakes and tropical cyclones, is important. Residents and visitors in the USVI are encouraged to stay updated on weather events on the V.I. Source Weather page and sign up for alerts from the National Weather Service and the Virgin Islands Territorial Emergency Management Agency.
