The National Weather Service (NWS) issued a heat advisory for all of Puerto Rico on Thursday, November 12, because of the combination of wind direction and humidity levels. An advisory is issued when the heat index will be elevated, and people are urged to stay hydrated and out of direct sun. NWS meteorologist Mariangelis Marrero said the advisory runs from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM and covers all of Puerto Rico, Vieques and Culebra.
The greatest chance of rain on Thursday will come in the afternoon, concentrated in the south and southeast towns from 2:00 PM on. A gradual increase in winds brings a moderate rip current risk for the west, north and east coasts of Puerto Rico and the beaches of Vieques and Culebra. Marrero said that by Friday all waters and beaches on the island will be under a moderate rip current risk as winds should increase.
Hot conditions are expected to continue Friday as the wind direction brings more humidity and tropical heat. On Wednesday afternoon, the NWS reported a new maximum temperature record in San Juan of 93 degrees Fahrenheit, topping the previous mark of 91 set in 2019. It was the second consecutive day a new record was set.
Experts previously told El Nuevo Día that December is the peak season of the El Niño phenomenon, which would mean extreme heat conditions for Puerto Rico at least until fall 2027, and a lack of significant rain events to help maintain water levels in the Puerto Rico Aqueduct and Sewer Authority (AAA) reservoirs during the Christmas season.