Updated 5/17/24 at 7:16 p.m. AST
VI SOURCE WEATHER UPDATES
! A “HEAT ADVISORY” will be in effect until 5 p.m. due to very warm temperatures. The heat index, which the NWS defines as “the temperature feels like to the human body when relative humidity is combined with the air temperature,” may be very high on Saturday across portions of the islands. Stay hydrated and stay cool. Saharan dust may also be prevalent in the air, creating hazy conditions.
! The NWS has noted that an unsettled weather pattern may occur next week. More information is available here.
! Read more about Hurricane Preparedness 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!
SATURDAY’S WEATHER FORECAST: 5/18/24
Happy Saturday!
According to the National Weather Service (NWS) in San Juan, Puerto Rico, Saturday will be mostly sunny, with a chance of scattered showers. Saharan dust in the air may cause hazy conditions. The high temperature will be approximately 89°F, 31.6°C, with winds out of the east at about 11 mph. The heat index may be high in some locations. The chance of rain on Saturday is approximately 30%. Please remember that the ground is very saturated; additional rain could lead to flash flooding.
Saturday night will be partly cloudy, with a chance of scattered showers. The low temperature will be approximately 80°F, 26.6°C, with winds out of the east at about 11 to 15 mph, gusting up to 20 mph. The possibility of rain on Saturday night is approximately 40%.
An unstable weather pattern may occur next week. Please read more here.
Below: Infrared satellite imagery obtained at 7:00 p.m. AST on Friday indicates a partly cloudy sky around the USVI and Puerto Rico. Showers are possible.
MARINE WEATHER UPDATE
On Saturday, the seas will be approximately 2 to 3 feet, with occasional seas up to 4 feet. Winds will be out of the east at about 10 knots.
On Saturday night, the seas will be approximately 2 to 3 feet, with occasional seas up to 4 feet. Winds will be out of the east at about 10 to 15 knots.
The water temperature is approximately 86°F, approximately 30°C.
Ocean Water Temperature Map from 5/17/24, courtesy of NOAA:
Wave Height Forecast Map courtesy of NWS:
HAZARDOUS CONDITIONS
Rip Currents: The risk of rip currents is projected to be low across most of the region on Saturday.
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: 14 Days
OBSERVATIONS
Sunrise: 5:46 a.m.
Sunset: 6:48 p.m.
Ocean water temperature: Approximately 86°F, approximately 30°C.
UV index: 10 out of 10 (VERY HIGH)
Friday’s high temperature: 88°F, 31.1°C
Friday’s low temperature: 81°F, 27.2°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.
