Area Forecast Discussion
Issued by NWS San Juan, PR
Issued by NWS San Juan, PR
866 FXCA62 TJSJ 040118 AAA AFDSJU Area Forecast Discussion...UPDATED National Weather Service San Juan PR 918 PM AST Wed Jul 3 2024 .UPDATE...The leading edge of the convection associated with the tropical wave moving westward across the Caribbean is just entering the southern-most boundary of our CWA.Lightning is now relatively rare there, but it is anticipated that as the east southeasterly flow meets the east northeast flow across the local area that convection will again increase. Precipitable water over Puerto Rico is 1.66 inches indicated by the TPW product and confirmed by the 00Z sounding from 04/00Z launched from San Juan, Puerto Rico.The precipitable water just to the south, however, is between 2.1 and 2.3 inches, confirming the models` forecast that plenty of moisture is in this tropical wave rapidly traversing the Caribbean. This is not expected to be a strong performer rain-wise though. 850 mb relative humidity is divided into bands that will represent areas of the best rainfall. Also instability increases only after the best moisture has already passed--on Friday morning. The envelope of moist air will represent a 32 hour respite from the Saharan dust as levels will drop to one third the amounts expected to return after it has passed. Expect even worse dust beginning late Friday night and continuing into Saturday. Temperatures will still seem hotter or as hot on Thursday due to the moisture except where showers bring cooling. Current forecast is on track and no changes have been introduced except to delay the arrival of isolated thunderstorms to the area. && .PREV DISCUSSION... /issued 444 PM AST Wed Jul 3 2024/ SYNOPSIS...Drier-than-normal conditions and Saharan Dust will maintain stable weather and hazy skies for most of the next 5-7 days. However, the passage of a tropical wave (Invest 96L) tonight will disrupt this pattern, increasing the likelihood of showers and isolated thunderstorms across the region through at least Friday. Even with the anticipated increase in cloud cover and high chances of rain, warm to hot conditions will continue. SHORT TERM...Tonight through Friday... Satellite and radar observations have indicated predominantly sunny to partly cloudy and hazy skies throughout the region, with occasional showers bringing minimal rainfall to eastern Puerto Rico. Daytime high temperatures varied significantly, peaking around 80 degrees in the higher elevations and climbing to the mid-90s in southern and southwestern Puerto Rico. Meanwhile, heat index values soared above 108 degrees, especially in the lower elevations of western, southern, and northern Puerto Rico, where Heat Advisories were in effect. In the U.S. Virgin Islands, daytime highs ranged around 88 to 92 degrees, with heat indices in the lower 100s. Winds were generally from the east to east- northeast, with stronger gusts and sea breeze effects leading to speeds of 15-25 mph in Puerto Rico and 10-20 mph in the U.S. Virgin Islands. A drier-than-usual air mass, with satellite-estimated precipitable water values as low as 1.4 inches, and the presence of the Saharan Air Layer, will keep conditions generally stable. Later tonight into Thursday morning, moisture from the approaching tropical wave, Invest 96L, will begin to affect the forecast area. As this tropical wave moves through and favorable upper-level conditions develop, with 500 mb temperatures gradually decreasing to around -7C by Thursday night, we can expect an increase in showers and isolated thunderstorms. These storms may bring heavy downpours, frequent lightning, and gusty winds from the 4th of July holiday into Friday morning. Consequently, there will be a moderate to high risk of excessive rainfall, particularly over Puerto Rico`s southern and eastern regions, as well as Vieques, Culebra, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Potential impacts include ponding of water on roads and in poorly drained areas and urban and small stream flooding. Localized flash floods are possible. Residents and visitors are advised to stay updated on weather conditions. By Friday afternoon, weather conditions will begin to stabilize due to the arrival of a new, drier-than-normal air mass with precipitable water values below 1.4 inches. This transition will be accompanied by the presence of the Saharan Air Layer and warmer-than-usual mid-level temperatures. Despite these stabilizing factors, the available moisture and dust particles will likely contribute to the development of afternoon and evening convection, particularly over western Puerto Rico and the surrounding waters. However, significant flooding impacts are unlikely. Even with the anticipated increase in cloud cover and high chances of rain, warmer-than-usual conditions will persist in the coming days. Coastal and urban areas can expect nighttime lows in the lower 80s, while higher elevations will see temperatures drop to around 70 degrees. 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 regions may soar above 108 degrees Fahrenheit. These conditions present significant health risks, leading to the issuance of Excessive Heat Advisories. It is crucial for residents and visitors, especially those participating in outdoor activities, to take necessary precautions to stay safe. LONG TERM...Saturday through Wednesday... From previous discussion issued at 512 AM AST Wed Jul 3 2024 A strong high pressure located in the central Atlantic will maintain the wind flow from the east southeast for most of the long-term period. Dry conditions are expected to prevail for the first half of the period as a drier airmass moves into the region with moderate to high concetrations of Saharan Air Layer (SAL). Hazy skies will dominate until at least Monday, resulting in lower visibilities. Very hot conditions are expected too, with temperatures rising to the 90s along the coastal and urban portions of the islands. This in combination with the available moisture will result in higher heat indices across the region surpassing the mid 100s. By the second half of the period a vigorous tropical wave is anticipated to approach the local islands. The precipitable water content analysis suggest values between 1.90 to 2.15 inches from Tuesday to Wednesday. This wave will move relatively fast across the region on Tuesday. Moderate to heavy showers and isolated thunderstorms are expected across the western and northwestern portions of Puerto Rico during the afternoon hours. The US Virgin Islands can expect passing showers throughout the morning hours and isolated shower activity during the afternoon. After wave passage, a drier pattern will establish and will persist through the week. AVIATION... (00Z TAFS) HZ due to Saharan dust is expected to prevail through at least 04/13Z, but VIS will remain at P6SM. A tropical wave will increase SHRA and TSRA across the Caribbean, USVI, and TJSJ terminals begg aft 04/09. Periods of reduced VIS and low ceilings are anticipated. Winds will be strong, from the SE at 15 kts, with gusts around 25 kts through the forecast period. SHRA/TSRA will incrs aft 04/16Z-- mainly across wrn and interior PR. MARINE... Fresh to strong easterly winds will persist into Thursday, initially driven by the distant Major Hurricane Beryl and subsequently by a tropical wave moving westward across the eastern Caribbean. These conditions will create hazardous marine and coastal conditions, particularly affecting the Caribbean Waters and Passages. The showers and thunderstorms associated with the tropical wave will exacerbate these hazardous conditions for small craft through Friday. While wind speeds are expected to decrease from Friday onwards, localized hazardous marine conditions may still occur. BEACH FORECAST... As Major Hurricane Beryl moves further away from the local islands, coastal conditions will improve. However, a high risk of rip currents is expected tonight for Saint Croix, influenced by the approaching tropical wave. In other areas, a moderate risk of rip currents will persist in the coming days. For more information, consult the Coastal Hazard Message (CFWSJU) issued by the NWS San Juan office. && .SJU WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES... PR...None. VI...High Rip Current Risk until 6 AM AST Thursday for VIZ002. AM...Small Craft Advisory until 6 PM AST Thursday for AMZ723-733-735- 741. && $$ SHORT TERM/AVIATION...WS MARINE/LONG TERM....ICP UPPER AIR/PUBLIC...RVT