Two tropical waves approaching the eastern Caribbean are expected to bring periods of rainfall and thunderstorms to Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands from Sunday through early next week, according to the National Weather Service in San Juan, Puerto Rico.
The NWS explained that the first of the two waves is anticipated to arrive across the local islands during the overnight hours of Saturday into Sunday.
“An increased risk of urban and small stream flooding is expected across the local islands on Sunday and Monday as tropical waves move through the area,” the NWS explained in an update on Saturday morning.
“As the first wave progresses, periods of showers are expected to increase in the vicinity of the Virgin Islands overnight on Saturday, gradually moving into Puerto Rico during the morning and afternoon hours on Sunday,” the NWS said.
“Rainfall accumulations are expected to range from one to three inches, and some localized urban and small stream flooding can be anticipated, as well as gusty winds within the thunderstorms,” the NWS stated. “The areas with the highest risk of flooding are the east-southeast and the west-northwest.”
The NWS update said that the second tropical wave will approach the area on Monday. “On Monday, yet another wave will move into the region,” the NWS said. “This wave does not look as concentrated as the wave on Sunday, but showers will still manage to reach portions of eastern Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands through the day on Monday,” the NWS noted.
Warm Temperatures, Gusty Winds, and Choppy Seas
The NWS warned that warm temperatures, accompanied by a potentially high heat index, will affect the USVI and Puerto Rico over the next few days. Residents and visitors across the region are encouraged to remain hydrated and as cool as possible to prevent heat-related illnesses.
In addition to the tropical waves moving through the area, gusty easterly winds will continue. Boaters and swimmers are advised to exercise caution due to wind-driven choppy seas and the potential for rip currents.
“Beachgoers can expect a moderate risk of observing life-threatening rip currents along the exposed beaches in the northwest coast of Puerto Rico and Saint Croix,” the NWS predicted. “In contrast, elsewhere expect a low risk of rip currents. Regardless of the low risk, isolated stronger rip currents may occur, especially near piers, jetties, and channels.”
Tropical Outlook
Regarding the possibility of cyclonic development in the coming days, the National Hurricane Center has not flagged any areas of interest across the Atlantic Basin for the next seven days.
During a Saturday morning phone call with the Source, Mariangelis Marrero Colón, a meteorologist at the NWS in San Juan, Puerto Rico, explained that environmental conditions are not very conducive for cyclones to form at this time.
While several forecast models have hinted at a slight potential for a system to organize next week, Mariangelis Marrero Colón emphasized that the NWS in San Juan would be watching the tropics closely.
“The environment is hostile for storms to develop,” Marrero Colón stated. “That said, we will continue to monitor the NHC. However, as of Saturday morning, the NHC is not forecasting any potential for the development for the next seven days.”
Nevertheless, it is crucial to remember that the forecast can change very quickly. USVI residents and visitors are encouraged to continue to remain prepared.
In addition to obtaining weather information from the NWS, the NHC, and NOAA, the local weather forecast for the U.S. Virgin Islands is regularly updated on the Source Weather Page and VI Source YouTube Channel. Individuals can also find helpful weather information and alerts from the Virgin Islands Territorial Emergency Management Agency.
