An unsettled weather pattern is forecast to continue affecting the U.S. Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico this week. The heaviest rainfall is expected across Puerto Rico, raising concerns about localized flooding. With St. Thomas Carnival continuing through Saturday, individuals are encouraged to monitor the forecast.
“Increasing moisture and instability from a nearby trough will maintain the potential for heavy showers and thunderstorms through the end of the workweek,” according to an update on Wednesday from the National Weather Service in San Juan, Puerto Rico.
Rainfall Totals and Flood Risk
Maximum precipitation amounts are forecast to occur across Puerto Rico, with the U.S. Virgin Islands also anticipated to receive intermittent rain and thunderstorms, and rainfall may be heavy at times.
“Rainfall totals are expected to range from two to four inches, with locally higher amounts of five inches each day, particularly across central Puerto Rico” on Wednesday and Thursday, the NWS said. Elsewhere, expect rainfall amounts around one to two inches, including the USVI, it said.
The NWS explained that localized flooding is possible due to the region’s already saturated soils, and a Flood Watch is in effect for areas across Puerto Rico until Friday morning.
“Soil saturation and soaring rivers will promote an elevated to significant flooding threat, including minor flooding, flash flooding, river flooding, and landslides in steep terrain,” the NWS warned.
The NWS also explained that no significant swell events are in the immediate forecast. Still, thunderstorms may occur over the local waters, posing a threat to boaters, and a moderate risk of rip currents will occur for several days. Small craft operators and beachgoers are encouraged to exercise caution.
Prepare for Unsettled Weather
The Source contacted Emanuel Rodriguez, a senior service hydrologist and meteorologist at the NWS in San Juan, for additional information. Rodriguez offered the following information to residents and visitors across the region:
“Conditions will gradually improve on Friday and Saturday, but the forecast still calls for some showers” during the upcoming weekend, Rodriguez stated.
“With [the expected] showers, some ponding of water in roadways and water surges along [waterways] can be anticipated,” Rodriguez said. Individuals “should prepare for lightning and seek shelter immediately if thunder [is heard, and] keeping an umbrella handy or a raincoat is also a good recommendation,” he added.
Where to Obtain Forecasts and Alerts
Weather forecast information and severe weather alerts are available from the Virgin Islands Territorial Emergency Management Agency’s website and the National Weather Service.
The Source Weather Page also publishes a daily weather forecast and allows readers to view weather forecast videos and disaster preparedness video segments.
Finally, the 2025 Atlantic Hurricane Season begins on June 1 and lasts until Nov. 30. Individuals can find hurricane season preparedness tips from the National Hurricane Center.
