The National Weather Service in San Juan, Puerto Rico, has predicted the potential for rain and thunderstorms across Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands this weekend, which could impact outdoor plans for Passover and Easter celebrations. Residents and visitors are encouraged to monitor the forecast throughout the holiday weekend.
“Increasing showers and thunderstorms are anticipated starting [Thursday night across] the vicinity of the Virgin Islands and eastern Puerto Rico,” according to an update on Thursday from the NWS. “The period of most active weather will be tonight and tomorrow morning, but showers will persist through Saturday,” the NWS explained.
The Source contacted Emanuel Rodriguez, a senior service hydrologist and meteorologist with the NWS in San Juan, Puerto Rico, to obtain more information about the possibility of inclement weather.
Precipitation Across the Region
“There’s a surface trough [an area of low pressure] coming from the southeast, with increasing instability aloft,” Rodriguez explained. “The trough will approach the Virgin Islands [on Thursday night], and although most of the rain is expected to remain over water, the small size of the Virgin Islands will make it difficult to pinpoint the exact location of the heavy rain, [which may move across the USVI at times],” Rodriguez continued.
“The heaviest activity is expected [Thursday and Friday], but unsettled weather conditions are [also] expected [on] Saturday,” Rodriguez added.
While Easter Sunday may experience precipitation, Rodriguez said that the chance of rain on Easter will be lower than on Friday and Saturday.
“Some dry air will reach the islands on Sunday,” Rodriquez stated. “However, under a north-northeast wind flow, some showers will still reach the islands at times, with less frequency and intensity,” he said.
According to the NWS, approximately two to three inches of rain with locally higher amounts are possible through Saturday across both U.S. territories. The NWS noted that isolated flash flooding is also possible.
“We are not anticipating a significant or widespread flooding event, but we are aware that there are many activities this week across the islands,” the NWS explained. “The most likely impacts are isolated urban and small stream flooding, water surges, mudslides, and lightning strikes,” the NWS warned.
Marine Weather Update
In addition to the potential for rain, swimmers are advised to be aware of an elevated risk of rip currents throughout the holiday weekend.
“Moderate easterly winds will raise the risk of rip currents along most north-facing and east-facing beaches of Puerto Rico and St. Croix [over the next few days, and] deteriorating seas over the weekend are expected to elevate the rip current risk,” the NWS said. “Beachgoers should also remain alert to the threat of afternoon thunderstorms, particularly along the western and southwestern shores of Puerto Rico, which may produce dangerous lightning,” the NWS stated.
Weather Forecast Information
Individuals across the islands are reminded that the 2025 Atlantic Hurricane Season begins on June 1 and lasts until November 30. With AccuWeather and Colorado State University’s Tropical Meteorology Project both predicting a potentially busy season, individuals are urged to remain informed about the weather.
Weather forecast information and severe weather alerts are available from the Virgin Islands Territorial Emergency Management Agency’s website and the National Weather Service.
The Source Weather Page also publishes a daily weather forecast and allows readers to view weather forecast videos and disaster preparedness video segments.
