Rains over recent days allowed the areas of Puerto Rico that had been under extreme drought (D3) to exit that category, according to the U.S. Drought Monitor, which issued its update on Thursday, November 5. The agency warned that severe drought (D2) persists across 15.16% of the territory, while 41.67% remains in moderate drought (D1) and 51.63% shows abnormally dry conditions (D0).
The Drought Monitor said that intense recent rainfall of between one and three inches improved the drought classification by one category in southern Puerto Rico, but no changes were justified for the interior of the island’s northeast. The updated map shows drought concentrated mainly in parts of the south, southwest and center, plus a strip extending into the eastern interior.
Puerto Rico has no areas under exceptional drought (D4), the most intense category. Towns under severe drought include Cabo Rojo, Lajas, Guánica, Yauco, Guayanilla, Juana Díaz, Santa Isabel, Coamo, Salinas, Aibonito, Cayey, Cidra, Barranquitas, Comerío, Naranjito, Toa Alta and Bayamón. The report also includes a November outlook that contemplates possible improvement or removal of drought in various areas, though it identifies sectors where it could persist.
The National Weather Service (NWS) in San Juan forecast another active afternoon of showers and thunderstorms, mainly over the interior and northeast, with an 80% chance of rain and one to two inches expected. It warned that heavy rain could cause urban flooding, river rises and landslides. The wet, unstable pattern will continue through Saturday, with gradual improvement and fewer showers expected the following work week.