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Rainfall from Trough Leaves Up to 2 Inches in Some Areas, But Drought Persists

Published Jul 22, 2026, 9:35 AM ASTvia El Nuevo Día

Why this matters: The drought and heat warning affect local households and communities, particularly in urban and coastal areas, with high temperatures and heat indices expected to exceed 100 degrees Fahrenheit.

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The rainfall associated with the trough that passed near Puerto Rico on Tuesday left accumulations of up to two inches in some areas, but was not enough to significantly alleviate the drought affecting several sectors of the island. According to meteorologist Mariangelis Marrero of the National Meteorological Service (SNM), Lajas and Cabo Rojo were among the municipalities that received the most rainfall, with accumulations of between one and two inches.

In the east, rainfall was more sporadic, with accumulations of between half an inch and almost an inch. Marrero stated that the observed amounts are not enough to reduce the current drought categories on the island. For Wednesday, the SNM anticipated some showers during the morning in the southeast and southwest, and possible rain in the northwest in the afternoon.

However, a mostly dry pattern with high temperatures and high humidity is expected to prevail after the rainfall. A heat warning was issued by the federal agency from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM for urban and coastal areas of Puerto Rico, including Vieques and Culebra, due to temperatures and heat indices expected to exceed 100 degrees Fahrenheit.

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SourceEl Nuevo Día

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