Updated 5/7/24 at 7:10 p.m. AST
VI SOURCE WEATHER UPDATES
!An unstable weather pattern will continue on Wednesday. Rain and thunderstorms, possibly severe at times and containing waterspouts or weak tornadoes, are possible. Please follow the National Weather Service for updates.
! A NEW Weekly Weather Update video is available here!
! A NEW Daily Weather Update video for Wednesday, May 8, 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
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!
WEDNESDAY’S WEATHER FORECAST: 5/8/24
Happy Wednesday!
According to the National Weather Service (NWS) in San Juan, Puerto Rico, an unstable weather pattern is expected again on Wednesday as a mid to upper-level trough (an area of low pressure) passes across the region. Additionally, there is a lot of tropical moisture around the islands. The ground is saturated, and any additional heavy rainfall could result in flash flooding or mudslides. Therefore, Wednesday will be mostly cloudy, with scattered showers and thunderstorms. Thunderstorms may be severe at times. The high temperature will be approximately 87°F, 30.5°C, with winds out of the east-northeast at about 6 to 8 mph. The chance of rain on Wednesday is approximately 60%.
Wednesday night will be mostly cloudy, with showers and thunderstorms. The low temperature will be approximately 78°F, 25.5°C, with winds out of the east at about 11 to 13 mph. The possibility of rain on Wednesday night is approximately 60%.
A drying trend is forecast later this week as an area of high pressure builds over the Northeast Caribbean.
Below: Infrared satellite imagery obtained at 6:40 p.m. AST on Tuesday indicates a mostly cloudy sky with precipitation around the USVI and Puerto Rico. Additional rainfall and thunderstorms are possible over the next few days.
MARINE WEATHER UPDATE
A northeasterly swell is expected to impact the islands, creating hazardous marine conditions. Also, gusty winds and possible thunderstorms may generate wind-driven, choppy seas.
On Wednesday, the seas will be approximately 2 to 4 feet, with occasional seas up to 5 feet. Winds will be out of the east-northeast at about 5 to 10 knots.
On Wednesday night, the seas will be approximately 3 to 5 feet, with occasional seas up to 6 feet. Winds will be out of the east at about 10 to 15 knots, gusting up to 20 knots.
The water temperature is approximately 83-85°F, approximately 28-29°C.
Ocean Water Temperature Map from 5/6/24, courtesy of NOAA:
Wave Height Forecast Map courtesy of NWS:
HAZARDOUS CONDITIONS
Rip Currents: The risk of rip currents is projected to be moderate to high across most of the region on Wednesday.
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 does not expect any cyclonic development over the next seven days.
A possible La Niña Weather Pattern May Spawn an Active 2024 Atlantic Hurricane Season. Read more here. Additionally, Colorado State University Predicts Extremely Active 2024 Atlantic Hurricane Season.
Click here to learn tips on being prepared for the 2024 Atlantic Hurricane Season.
Days Until 2024 Atlantic Hurricane Season: 24 Days
OBSERVATIONS
Sunrise: 5:50 a.m.
Sunset: 6:44 p.m.
Ocean water temperature: Approximately 83-85°F, approximately 28-29°C.
UV index: 9-10 out of 10 (VERY HIGH)
Tuesday’s high temperature: 84°F, 28.8°C
Tuesday’s low temperature: 75°F, 23.8°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.
