Updated 5/8/24 at 7:54 p.m. AST
VI SOURCE WEATHER UPDATES
! An unstable weather pattern will continue on Thursday. Rain and thunderstorms, possibly severe at times, are possible. A drying trend is forecast after Thursday. Please follow the National Weather Service for updates. Additionally, more information is available here.
! A NEW Daily Weather Update video for Thursday, May 9, 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!
THURSDAY’S WEATHER FORECAST: 5/9/24
Happy Thursday!
According to the National Weather Service (NWS) in San Juan, Puerto Rico, an unstable weather pattern is expected again on Thursday before an area of low pressure finally moves away from the region. Additionally, there is a lot of tropical moisture around the islands. The ground is saturated, and any additional heavy rainfall could result in flash flooding or mudslides. However, Thursday will be mostly sunny overall, with scattered showers and thunderstorms. The high temperature will be approximately 87°F, 30.5°C, with winds out of the east-southeast at about 8 to 10 mph. The chance of rain on Thursday is approximately 40%.
Thursday night will be partly cloudy, with scattered showers and thunderstorms. The low temperature will be approximately 77°F, 25°C, with winds out of the east at about 11 mph. The possibility of rain on Thursday night is approximately 40%.
A drying trend is forecast after Thursday as an area of high pressure builds over the Northeast Caribbean.
Below: Infrared satellite imagery obtained at 7:30 p.m. AST on Wednesday indicates a partly cloudy sky around the USVI and Puerto Rico. Additional rainfall and thunderstorms are possible.
MARINE WEATHER UPDATE
A northeasterly swell is expected to create hazardous marine conditions. Gusty winds and possible thunderstorms may also generate wind-driven, choppy seas.
On Thursday, the seas will be approximately 3 to 5 feet, with occasional seas up to 6 feet. Winds will be out of the east-southeast at about 5 to 10 knots.
On Thursday night, the seas will be approximately 2 to 4 feet, with occasional seas up to 5 feet. Winds will be out of the east at about 5 to 10 knots.
The water temperature is approximately 84-85°F, approximately 29°C.
Ocean Water Temperature Map from 5/8/24, courtesy of NOAA:
Wave Height Forecast Map courtesy of NWS:
HAZARDOUS CONDITIONS
Rip Currents: The risk of rip currents is projected to be moderate to high across most of the region on Thursday. North-facing and east-facing coastlines may be particularly vulnerable to rip currents.
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: 23 Days
OBSERVATIONS
Sunrise: 5:50 a.m.
Sunset: 6:44 p.m.
Ocean water temperature: Approximately 84-85°F, approximately 29°C.
UV index: 10 out of 10 (VERY HIGH)
Wednesday’s high temperature: 84°F, 28.8°C
Wednesday’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.
