The National Meteorological Service (SNM) reports that heat will continue to be the main protagonist in Puerto Rico this weekend, with a dense cloud of Saharan dust reducing the chances of rain and deteriorating air quality. A dense layer of Saharan dust is expected to arrive over the northeast Caribbean on Saturday, with the highest concentration of dust registered between Saturday night and Sunday. This dry air mass will limit cloud formation and reduce humidity, resulting in hazy skies and little rain throughout the weekend.
Despite the dry air, a weak tropical wave will pass south of the region on Sunday, potentially causing a slight increase in humidity and favoring some showers in western Puerto Rico. The SNM warned that heat will continue to be high due to abundant solar radiation and scarce cloud cover, and the Saharan dust will cause poor air quality, affecting people with asthma, allergies, or other respiratory conditions. Temperatures will remain above normal, especially in urban and coastal areas, where heat warnings may be issued in the coming days.
The next tropical wave with potential to increase humidity is expected to arrive between Wednesday and Thursday of next week, which could elevate humidity and favor an increase in shower and thunderstorm activity.