A NOAA satellite image obtained at 9 a.m. AST shows a long band of clouds stretching across the Caribbean, linked to the system bringing showers and gusty winds to Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. (Photo courtesy NOAA)
The National Weather Service in San Juan, Puerto Rico, has reported that rainy weather, gusty winds, and choppy seas will continue across the local region over the next few days. Several coastal and marine alerts are in effect across both Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
Precipitation and Gusty Winds
“A frontal boundary moving across the northeastern Caribbean will bring windy conditions and frequent showers to Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands on Tuesday,” the NWS reported in an update early Tuesday morning. “Supported by a prefrontal trough of low pressure and high moisture levels, atmospheric instability will increase the potential for heavy rainfall. Residents can expect northerly winds and periods of moderate to locally heavy rain, posing a limited-to-elevated risk of flooding,” the NWS continued.
Forecasters noted that the current weather conditions are expected to last until at least midweek, and there will continue to be a risk of flooding.
“This wet pattern is expected to persist through Wednesday and into Thursday as the lingering frontal boundary continues to pool moisture over the region,” the NWS stated. “Winds will shift from the north today to the northeast by Wednesday, eventually turning east-southeast by Thursday. While the flooding risk will peak on Tuesday and Wednesday, it should begin to diminish by Thursday morning as the moisture moves away from the islands.”
Powerful Ocean Swell and Hazardous Marine Conditions
The marine conditions across the region also remain dangerous due to a powerful long-period swell and gusty winds generating choppy seas. Multiple marine alerts are in effect across both U.S. territories.
“A large, long-period northwest to northerly swell will continue spreading across the Atlantic waters and passages through midweek, and beach conditions will remain hazardous,” the NWS explained.
“As a result, Coastal Flood and High Surf Warnings are in effect for the north-facing coastlines of Puerto Rico and Coastal Flood and High Surf Advisories for the northern U.S. Virgin Islands and southwest Puerto Rico. These conditions will also be hazardous to small craft, with Small Craft Advisories in effect for all coastal and offshore waters through at least late Wednesday night,” the NWS continued.
“Large breaking waves of 15 to 20 feet are expected on Tuesday and a high risk of rip currents will continue. This will result in life-threatening conditions, and residents and visitors are urged to stay out of the water and continue to monitor the forecast for updates,” the NWS advised.
Finally, meteorologists reported that temperatures will be a bit cooler across Puerto Rico and the USVI for the next couple of days.
“A cooler air mass will linger through Thursday, and coastal areas can expect low temperatures in the upper 60s to low 70s Fahrenheit, and high temperatures in the mid-80s Fahrenheit.”
The marine conditions across the region also remain dangerous due to a powerful long-period swell and gusty winds generating choppy seas. Multiple marine alerts are in effect across both U.S. territories.