The National Weather Service (NWS) in San Juan issued a heat advisory on Sunday for 61 municipalities across Puerto Rico, Culebra, Vieques and the U.S. Virgin Islands, citing heat indices between 100 and 111 degrees Fahrenheit, in effect from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The agency said Saharan dust would prevail across the region, causing hazy skies and dangerous conditions for people with asthma or allergies, with moderate to high dust levels expected through the week.
Affected municipalities include San Juan, Bayamón, Carolina, Ponce, Mayagüez, Caguas, Arecibo, Fajardo, Guaynabo, Humacao, Cabo Rojo and dozens more. The NWS recommended staying hydrated, reducing outdoor activity, and taking extra precautions for vulnerable individuals. The agency also warned of elevated wildfire risk for the afternoon across much of Puerto Rico, particularly in coastal municipalities and the regions of Caguas, Coamo and Naranjito.
Recommended precautions include properly extinguishing and disposing of cigarette butts, avoiding open fires or burning trash due to dry, windy conditions, and immediately reporting any smoke columns.