Puerto Rico is expected to experience a notable change in weather conditions over the next few days, with the arrival of a drier air mass accompanied by high concentrations of Saharan dust, according to the National Weather Service (NWS) in San Juan. Following the passage of a tropical wave that has brought rain and thunderstorms to the island, conditions are expected to become drier starting on Friday. The Saharan air layer will limit the development of deep clouds and significantly reduce rainfall activity. On Friday, the NWS anticipates mostly dry conditions, with isolated showers possible, particularly in the morning and in interior and western areas during the afternoon.
The Saharan dust will cause hazy skies, reduced visibility, and poor air quality, with concentrations increasing between Friday and Saturday. Temperatures are expected to rise, with a high risk of heat, especially in urban and coastal areas. For San Juan and surrounding areas, the forecast calls for high temperatures near 89 degrees Fahrenheit on Friday, with heat indices possibly exceeding 100 degrees. On Saturday, the situation will be similar, with hazy skies and limited rainfall, although daytime heating and local effects could lead to isolated showers in the afternoon.
The NWS also predicts windy conditions, particularly in coastal and exposed areas. On Sunday, the concentration of Saharan dust is expected to decrease, with a gradual improvement in conditions as the Saharan air layer moves away from the region.