A tropical wave is expected to reach Puerto Rico on Sunday, Father's Day, potentially causing flooding in various parts of the island, according to the National Weather Service in San Juan. Although a mass of dry air accompanied by moderate to high concentrations of Sahara dust currently dominates the conditions over Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands, the arrival of the tropical wave will increase the humidity in the atmosphere and favor the development of showers and thunderstorms.
The combination of tropical humidity and daytime heating could increase the potential for heavy rain in different areas, elevating the risk of urban flooding, overflowing streams and rivers, and isolated flash flooding. The National Weather Service reported that Puerto Rico is currently 54.9% abnormally dry, a 14% increase from last week.
The US Drought Monitor stated that conditions in Puerto Rico continue to be drier than normal, with abnormally dry conditions expanding to other parts of the center and north of the island, while moderate drought expanded in the southwest.