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Area Forecast Discussion
Issued by NWS San Juan, PR
Issued by NWS San Juan, PR
301 FXCA62 TJSJ 080908 AFDSJU Area Forecast Discussion National Weather Service San Juan PR 508 AM AST Mon Jul 8 2024 .SYNOPSIS... A tropical wave will reach the islands increasing the potential for showers and thunderstorms and bringing a break from Saharan dust today, but another Saharan Air Layer (SAL) is expected to reach the islands tomorrow and last until mid week. Lingering moisture and slightly unstable atmospheric conditions will continue to support shower and thunderstorm development for the same period. In addition, an elevated to significant heat risk will likely persist. Another tropical wave is forecast to reach the islands by next weekend. && .SHORT TERM...Today through Wednesday... An overnight radar and satellite imagery analysis indicated clear to partly cloudy skies, with passing showers brushing Puerto Rico`s northern coast, Vieques, Culebra, and the northern U.S. Virgin Islands. Reports again highlighted warm overnight low temperatures above 80 degrees Fahrenheit in coastal areas of the San Juan metropolitan area, eastern and southern Puerto Rico, and the local islands. Coastal observation sites and local buoys have also recorded warm low temperatures, hovering around 83-84 degrees Fahrenheit. Winds were mainly light to calm and variable. Satellite and radar data also indicated a tropical wave moving through the northern Leeward Islands, accompanied by increased cloudiness and persistent thunderstorm activity. As this system advances through the eastern Caribbean, it will bring substantial tropical moisture, with precipitable water levels exceeding seasonal moisture thresholds through most of the forecast period. This will elevate the likelihood of showers and thunderstorms. On Tuesday, a brief break is expected as a drier air mass and a dense Saharan Air Layer follow the tropical wave. However, persistent lingering moisture and slightly unstable atmospheric conditions will continue to support shower and thunderstorm development throughout the forecast period. This weather pattern may result in heavy rainfall, frequent lightning, and strong winds, leading to a moderate to high risk of excessive rainfall, particularly in eastern and far western Puerto Rico. Potential impacts include water ponding on roads, flooding in poorly drained areas, and urban and small stream flooding. Localized flash floods are also possible. Additionally, breezy conditions, driven by high surface pressure over the North Atlantic, are likely, especially in southern and northern Puerto Rico and the nearby islands. Even with the anticipated high rain chances, warmer-than-usual conditions will persist in the coming days. Daytime highs will range from the lower 90s in lower elevations to around 80 degrees in higher elevations. With abundant moisture in the air, heat indices in many coastal and urban areas may soar above 108 degrees Fahrenheit. These conditions present significant health risks, leading to the issuance of Heat Advisories. It is crucial for residents and visitors, especially those participating in outdoor activities, to take necessary precautions to stay safe. && .LONG TERM...Thursday through Monday... Model guidance suggests a broad surface high pressure will remain anchored across the Atlantic Ocean, promoting easterly winds across the islands throughout the long-term period. Thursday seems to be a transition day where we still have residual humidity from the tropical wave, but some patches of drier air are beginning to enter along with the wind flow, resulting in a mix of clouds and sunshine and the arrival of quick passing showers. The latest Precipitable Water (PW) models suggest values decreasing from above-normal to normal climatological levels that day. Still, afternoon convection will remain possible with available moisture, diurnal heating, and local effects. By the end of the week, the NASA Dust Extinction guidance is suggesting the presence of another Saharan Air Layer across the islands which probably will limit rain development that day. However, during the weekend, the next tropical wave should approach our region. If the dry air mass surrounding it does not negatively impact it, we may see a wet and unstable pattern with a better chance of organizing convection on Saturday or Sunday. Temperature-wise, an elevated to significant heat risk will likely persist across lower elevations and coastal areas of Puerto Rico and the rest of the islands, as models suggest the pattern will continue with warmer-than-normal temperatures at 500 MB and 925 MB. && .AVIATION... (06Z TAFs) VFR conditions will likely prevail across all terminals through the morning hours. However, increased SHRA/TSRA from a passing tropical wave may result in MVFR to brief IFR conditions, with reduced visibility and lower ceilings, at most terminals. Light to calm and variable winds will become more easterly and increase to 14-18 knots between 08/13-23Z, accompanied by higher gusts and sea breeze variations. Higher wind gusts are likely near the SHRA/TSRA. && .MARINE... A surface high pressure anchored across the Atlantic Ocean will tighten the pressure gradient across the Northeast Caribbean and promote moderate to fresh easterly winds with choppy seas. A tropical wave will move across the islands today, increasing the potential for showers and thunderstorms across the local waters. Higher winds and seas near thunderstorms. && .BEACH FORECAST... There is a moderate risk of rip currents for southwestern, northwestern, northern and eastern Puerto Rico, as well as for Culebra, St. Thomas, St. John, and St. Croix. Low risk elsewhere. Mainly low risk is forecast through mid-week, then moderate risk returns.For additional information, consult the Surf Zone Forecast (SRFSJU) issued by the NWS San Juan Office. && .SJU WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES... PR...Heat Advisory from 10 AM this morning to 5 PM AST this afternoon for PRZ001>005-007-008-010-011. VI...Heat Advisory from 10 AM this morning to 5 PM AST this afternoon for VIZ001-002. AM...None. && $$ SHORT TERM/AVIATION...ICP LONG TERM/MARINE/BEACH FORECAST...YZR