Dangerous maritime conditions and life-threatening rip currents will continue along Puerto Rico’s coasts on Tuesday, according to the National Weather Service (NWS) forecast office in San Juan. Breaking waves could reach 8 to 12 feet from Rincón to Fajardo, possibly causing localized beach erosion, especially on coasts exposed to the Atlantic in Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands.
A long-period north-northwest swell will generate hazardous seas in the Atlantic and exposed passages, peaking on Tuesday and shifting to a northerly direction on Wednesday. Rain and flood potential is expected to gradually decrease between Tuesday and Wednesday, though showers and thunderstorms could develop Tuesday afternoon in the northern half of the island, concentrating rain north of the island.
Flood risk will become more localized, mainly in northwest and northeast sectors. Drier air arriving Tuesday night and Wednesday will reduce shower coverage, and forecast models show precipitable water dropping on Wednesday. However, the improvement would be brief, as moisture is expected to increase between Wednesday night and Thursday, when precipitable water could exceed two inches.
Temperatures will stay warm, especially along north coastal areas and urban zones, and heat effects will hit people more sensitive to high temperatures who lack hydration or access to cool places. The NWS recommends precautions during the hottest hours, from late morning to early afternoon, and urges swimmers to stay out of the water at dangerous beaches.