The National Weather Service has forecast an unstable weather pattern with rain, thunderstorms and hot temperatures across Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands this week.
The NWS in San Juan, Puerto Rico, has noted that a tropical wave is passing by the islands early this week, and an abundance of moisture will be present around the region. The weather conditions will result in the potential for heavy rain and thunderstorms over the coming days before drier air moves over the area at the end of the week.
“Moisture levels will remain high early this week as a tropical wave crosses the area, [and] this will maintain unstable weather conditions promoting a limited to elevated flooding risk every day,” according to an update from the NWS on Monday. “Hot and muggy conditions will persist most days of the week,” the update continued.
The soils across the islands are very saturated, and additional rainfall may increase the risk of flash flooding and mudslides.
Stay Safe During Hot Weather
The NWS also warned that the Heat Index, defined as “what the temperature feels like to the human body when relative humidity is combined with the air temperature,” may be very high throughout the week.
“[The] Heat Index [may reach up to] 102-107 degrees Fahrenheit across the islands,” the NWS explained. Heat exhaustion is possible with prolonged exposure.”
As noted in a previous Source article regarding extreme heat across the USVI, excessive heat can be hazardous to the human body. When the body overheats, illnesses such as heat stroke and heat exhaustion are possible, and remaining hydrated and cool is essential.
Forecast Updates
In addition to inclement weather this week, residents are reminded that the 2024 Atlantic Hurricane Season begins next Saturday, June 1. Weather forecast information, including severe weather alerts, is available from the Virgin Islands Territorial Emergency Management Agency website and the National Weather Service.
The Source Weather Page also publishes a daily weather forecast, where readers can view weather forecast videos and disaster preparedness video segments.
