Ernesto Morales of the National Weather Service warned Wednesday that despite recent rains improving reservoir levels enough to pause water rationing for customers of the Carraízo reservoir, Puerto Rico’s drought conditions still pose a risk. Morales said current reservoir levels are healthy for this time of year, and more rain is expected from what was Tropical Storm Dolly, plus additional precipitation events forecast for Friday and next Monday.
However, he stressed that recent rains do not mean the drought is over, noting medium- and long-term forecasts point to drier-than-normal conditions. He said there is concern the current rainfall deficit could persist until November, when hurricane season ends and Puerto Rico’s dry season begins, potentially worsening conditions. Morales also explained that the Carraízo and La Plata reservoirs may behave differently because of their distinct catchment areas: La Plata receives contributions from various upstream reservoirs that can boost its flow when they overflow, while direct rainfall benefits depend on precipitation falling within its own watershed.