Updated 7/16/24 at 6:50 p.m. AST
Weather updates are posted by Jesse Daley, who has been reporting on weather for the Source since 2022 and holds an Undergraduate Certificate in Weather Forecasting from Pennsylvania State University.
VI SOURCE WEATHER UPDATES
! The National Weather Service has explained that there will continue to be risks of rain, thunderstorms, and excessive heat across the area on Wednesday. Additionally, a large plume of Saharan dust is forecast to arrive across the islands later in the day on Wednesday, which may be unhealthy for sensitive individuals and those with pre-existing health conditions.
Article 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!
- Article: Colorado State University Predicts Extremely Active 2024 Atlantic Hurricane Season
- Article: La Niña Weather Pattern May Spawn an Active 2024 Atlantic Hurricane Season
WEDNESDAY’S WEATHER FORECAST: 7/17/24
Happy Wednesday!
According to the National Weather Service (NWS) in San Juan, Puerto Rico, Wednesday will be mostly sunny, and there will continue to be a chance of rain and thunderstorms across the region. A large plume of Saharan dust is forecast to arrive across the islands later in the day on Wednesday, which may be unhealthy for sensitive individuals and those with pre-existing health conditions. The high temperature will be approximately 89°F, 31.6°C, with winds out of the east-southeast at about 20 mph. The Heat Index is expected to remain high, and staying hydrated and cool is essential. The chance of rain on Wednesday is roughly 40 percent.
Wednesday night will be mostly cloudy, with a chance of scattered showers and thunderstorms. The low temperature will be approximately 80°F, 26.6°C, and winds out of the east will be about 18 to 21 mph, gusting up to 26 mph. The possibility of rain on Wednesday night is roughly 40 percent.
Yellow = Limited Risk, Orange = Moderate Risk, Red = Significant Risk
Yellow = Limited Risk, Orange = Moderate Risk, Red = Significant Risk
Below: Infrared satellite imagery obtained at 6:10 p.m. AST on Tuesday indicates a mostly clear cloudy sky, with rain and thunderstorms around the USVI and Puerto Rico.
MARINE WEATHER UPDATE
On Wednesday, the seas will be approximately 3 to 4 feet, with occasional seas up to 5 feet. Winds will be out of the east-southeast at about 15 to 10 knots, gusting up to 25 knots.
On Wednesday night, the seas will be approximately 3 to 4 feet, with occasional seas up to 5 feet. Winds will be out of the east at about 15 to 20 knots, gusting up to 25 knots.
The water temperature is approximately 86-87°F, approximately 30-30.5°C.
Ocean Water Temperature Map from 7/14/24, courtesy of NOAA:
Wave Height Forecast Map courtesy of NWS:
HAZARDOUS CONDITIONS
Rip Currents: On Wednesday, the risk of rip currents is projected to be moderate across most of the region. Gusty winds may also generate wind-driven, choppy seas.
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 (NHC) does not expect tropical cyclone development over the next seven days. However, a tropical wave is forecast to move past the region around Saturday, increasing the chance for rain and thunderstorms. Please follow the NHC for the latest tropical updates.
Article: NOAA Forecasts Above-Average 2024 Hurricane Season, Expects High Number of Named Cyclones
Click here to learn tips on being prepared during the 2024 Atlantic Hurricane Season.
Days Remaining in the 2024 Atlantic Hurricane Season: 136 Days
OBSERVATIONS
Sunrise: 5:53 a.m.
Sunset: 7:00 p.m.
Ocean water temperature: Approximately 86-87°F, approximately 30-30.5°C.
UV index: 10+ out of 10 (VERY HIGH)
Tuesday’s high temperature: 88°F, 31.1°C
Tuesday’s low temperature: 80°F, 26.6°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.
