Drought conditions continue to prevail across the local islands, in particular on St. Thomas and St. Croix. Record heat in most areas has intensified drought impacts. However, improvements are possible during the next few weeks as a wetter pattern begins to occur across the northeast Caribbean.
Puerto Rico Conditions: In the past 60 days, most of northern, eastern, and southwestern Puerto Rico, as well as Vieques, has experienced 50%–90% of normal rainfall. Abnormally Dry (D0) conditions were reintroduced to most of these areas, while Moderate Drought (D1) conditions are now observed across the northeast, including the San Juan metro area, and a small portion of the northwest. The rainfall deficit for these areas ranges generally from 1–4 inches, but some areas in the northeast have been 6–12 inches below normal.
Since June 1, San Juan has seen only 13.33 inches of rainfall, which is a deficit of nearly 10 inches. This is the driest such period since 1991. Normally, these should be some of the wettest months. Besides the dry conditions, record-high temperatures have prevailed as well across much of the island. September 2023 will easily end up as the warmest September on record, with an average temperature of 85.8°F through September 27. In fact, it may likely end up as the hottest month ever across the San Juan Metro Area. The current record is 85.7°F set in June 2012.
U.S. Virgin Islands Conditions: Exceptional Drought (D4) conditions are prevailing across most of the U.S. Virgin Islands (USVI), with year-to-date (YTD) rainfall deficits exceeding 10 inches. Through September 27, Rohlsen Airport in St. Croix had only seen 11.35 inches of rain. This is less than 50% of the normal of 22.93 inches. This is the 2nd driest YTD on record, behind only 2015. Likewise, Cyril King Airport in St. Thomas had only seen 12.72 inches of rain YTD, which is also less than 50% of the normal of 26.5 inches. Besides the dry conditions, record heat has prevailed as well. September 2023 will end up as the warmest month ever on record at St. Croix, with an average temperature of 87.5°F through September 27, which will surpass the previous record of 86.7°F set just last month.
Puerto Rico Impacts: The increasingly dry conditions are reducing soil moisture and negatively impacting vegetation, with signs of distress across the territory.
U.S. Virgin Islands (USVI) Impacts: Drought continues to be a growing concern for many farmers and residents. Soil and vegetation in the USVI are visibly showing signs of distress, such as decreased soil moisture, and both livestock and poultry have been negatively impacted by the dry and hot conditions. Precautions such as ordering hay and water deliveries are being taken in some areas.
For more information: drought.gov
