Updated 7/17/24 at 6:30 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 Thursday. A large plume of Saharan dust is forecast to be over the region, which may be unhealthy for sensitive individuals and those with pre-existing health conditions. A tropical wave is expected to pass by the region on Friday, increasing the chances of precipitation.
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
THURSDAY’S WEATHER FORECAST: 7/18/24
Happy Thursday!
According to the National Weather Service (NWS) in San Juan, Puerto Rico, Thursday 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 expected to be over the islands, which may be unhealthy for sensitive individuals and those with pre-existing health conditions. The high temperature will be approximately 91°F, 32.7°C, with winds out of the east at about 22 mph, gusting up to 28 mph. The Heat Index is expected to remain high, and staying hydrated and cool is essential. The chance of rain on Thursday is roughly 30 percent.
Thursday night will be mostly cloudy, with a chance of scattered showers and thunderstorms. The low temperature will be approximately 79°F, 26.1°C, and winds out of the east will be about 23 mph, gusting up to 29 mph. The possibility of rain on Thursday night is roughly 60 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 6:00 p.m. AST on Wednesday indicates a mostly cloudy sky around the USVI and Puerto Rico. Rainfall and thunderstorms are possible.
MARINE WEATHER UPDATE
Gusty winds are forecast to generate wind-driven, choppy seas. From midnight on Thursday until midnight on Friday, a Small Craft Advisory will be in effect for portions of the waters surrounding the USVI and Puerto Rico.
On Thursday, 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 10 knots, gusting up to 25 knots.
On Thursday night, the seas will be approximately 4 to 6 feet, with occasional seas up to 8 feet. Winds will be out of the east at about 15 to 20 knots, gusting up to 30 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 Thursday, the risk of rip currents is projected to be moderate across most of the region.
Choppy Seas: Gusty winds are forecast to generate wind-driven, choppy seas. From midnight on Thursday until midnight on Friday, a Small Craft Advisory will be in effect for portions of the waters surrounding the USVI and Puerto Rico.
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 Friday and 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: 135 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)
Wednesday’s high temperature: 89°F, 31.6°C
Wednesday’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.
