National Weather Service San Juan PR
500 AM AST Wed Apr 10 2024
.SYNOPSIS...Although there is still some moisture lingering
across the region, expect improved weather conditions today as
drier-than-normal air begins to move in. However, towards the end
of the workweek, projections suggest the return of the remnants of
the cold front, which will likely elevate the chances of showers
once again. The presence of an upper-level trough and increased
moisture levels may lead to an increased floosing early next week.
Additionally, moderate to locally strong winds, coupled with
pulses from a dominant long-period northerly swell, will persist,
maintaining hazardous marine conditions. Consequently, dangerous
swimming and life-threatening beach conditions are anticipated
during the next few days.
&&
.SHORT TERM...Today through Friday...
Current satellite derived precipitable water (PWAT) indicates most
of the above normal moisture, related to a frontal boundary south of
the region that affected the islands during the couple of few days,
in the southern half of the region, with values up to 1.75 in.
Across the islands, PWAT ranges from 1.34 to 1.55 in. As drier air
filters in, PWAT values today should remain at normal values for
this time of the year. At surface level, a surface high continues to
build, spreading from the western Atlantic to the central Atlantic
throughout the period. This system will promote breezy to windy
northeast winds through the period, with higher gusts and sea breeze
variations. These winds will steer even drier air into the region
tomorrow, Thursday, with PWAT values and overall moisture
decreasing. By Thursday night and into Friday, however, another
patch of moisture, remnants of the past frontal boundary, will
filter into the region promoting normal to above normal PWAT values.
Thursday will be the driest day in the period (and the week). The
mid to upper levels remain relatively stable, with only a possible
upper trough developing well east of the region. Available moisture
will extend to around 700 mb for most of the period.
925 mb temperatures at below normal to normal values for this time
of the year. Patchy fog is likely across areas of the interior
during the early morning hours. Periods of passing showers steered
by NE winds and afternoon showers cannot be ruled out during the
day, mainly across the interior to southwest Puerto Rico, as well as
on the west end and downwind of the USVI. This activity however, can
still result in ponding of water on roads and poorly drained areas.
Rain chances decrease tomorrow, with only less frequent shower
activity will affecting windward sectors with more limited
convective activity over interior to SW PR. Rain chances increase
Thursday night through, as the frontal remnants reach the islands.
Breezy to windy conditions will prevail, mainly across coastal areas.
.LONG TERM...Saturday through Wednesday...
TRrecent model guidance continues to suggest a significant shift
in weather patterns during the long-term forecast period,
transitioning from dry and stable conditions to a wetter and
unstable setup. Precipitable water values are expected to
fluctuate, starting from below-normal thresholds below 1.3 inches
on Sunday and Monday, then rising to above-normal thresholds
exceeding 1.7 inches on Tuesday and Wednesday. This transition is
attributed to the retreat of the mid-level ridge and presence of a
drier-than-normal air mass during the weekend, followed by an
influx of tropical moisture and the proximity of an upper-level
trough early next week. The prevailing steering flow should remain
easterly, driven by a broad surface high pressure spreading across
the North Atlantic. However, as this feature weakens, wind speeds
are forecast to diminish from approximately 15-25 mph to 5-15 mph
early next week.
While fair weather conditions are expected until early Monday, the
possibility of passing showers overnight and limited afternoon
convective activity exists each day. Conversely, an increase in
shower activity with potential isolated thunderstorm development
is expected from Monday night onward as conditions become
increasingly favorable for deep convective development, with 500
mbar temperatures dropping as low as -9 degrees on Wednesday. The
anticipated rains may lead to flooding impacts, although the
excessive rainall risk level remains uncertain at this time.
However, if the trough's influence becomes more direct, an
elevated flooding risk is likely and flooding impacts could occur
as early as Tuesday morning. Breezy conditions are anticipated
through the weekend, primarily affecting coastal areas, with limited
wind impacts expected. Temperature fluctuations should remain
within seasonal thresholds throughout the forecast period.
&&
.AVIATION...
(06Z TAFS)
Mostly VFR conditions expected across the terminals. Passing SHRA or
VCSH can affect TJSJ/TJBQ/TIST/TISX. SHRA developing during the
afternoon, spreading to S/SW PR, may cause MVFR at TJPS.
Surface winds from the NE at 15-20 kts with higher gusts, especially
near stronger shower activity, and sea breeze variations.
&&
.MARINE...
A surface ridge building across the western Atlantic will generate
fresh to locally strong northeast winds throughout the workweek,
causing an increase of passing showers and brief gusty winds. Pulses
of a dominant long-period northerly swell will continue to spread
across the Atlantic waters and local passages through Thursday.
The wind and swell interaction will maintain hazardous seas for
small craft for the rest of the week. For details, refer to the
Marine Weather Statement (MWWSJU).
&&
.BEACH FORECAST...
Increasing winds and a dominant long-period northerly swell will
likely generate dangerous swimming and life-threatening rip
current condition, due to large breaking waves of up to 12 feet.
Given these conditions, a High Surf Advisor and High Rip Current
Risk are in effect for the north-facing beaches of Puerto Rico,
Culebra, and the northern US Virgin Islands, where localized
coastal flooding and beach/dune erosion is possible. Between
tonight and thursday, life-threatening rip current conditions
will spread to the beaches of Vieques and St Croix. For details,
refer to the Coastal Hazard Message (CFWSJU) and Surf Zone
Forecast (SRFSJU).

