Drought Update for Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands: January 14, 2021
This drought update is issued in partnership between the National Integrated Drought Information System (NIDIS), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) National Weather Service, and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), and the University of the Virgin Islands. The purpose of the update is to communicate a potential area of concern for drought expansion and/or development within Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands based on recent conditions and the upcoming three month forecast.
NIDIS and its partners will issue these updates every two months via email and on Drought.gov. Subscribe for these U.S. Caribbean drought updates here.
Abnormally dry to moderate drought conditions are observed across north central Puerto Rico and the central northern coast as well as all of the U.S. Virgin Islands. Some deterioration in the drought conditions is possible during the next few months.
Key Points
- Puerto Rico Conditions: Abnormal dryness and drought are currently observed across 22 % of the area, with about 5% classified in moderate drought.
- U.S. Virgin Islands Conditions: Abnormal dryness is currently observed in Saint Croix, Saint John and Saint Thomas.
- Impacts: No major impacts are reported at this time. Nevertheless, the fire danger weather in Puerto-Rico may increase as dryness intensifies. Preparations of irrigation and water efficiency tools are being made to better manage water during the dry season.
- Looking Ahead: The dry season usually continues through March with the onset of the wet season in late April. Therefore, a deterioration in drought conditions is possible.
