31% of Puerto Rico faces abnormally dry conditions or drought

Puerto Rico is facing worsening dry conditions, with the U.S. Drought Monitor reporting that 31% of the island is now experiencing abnormally dry weather or atypical drought. This figure has nearly doubled from 17.1% the previous week.

An additional 3.21% of the island is under moderate drought conditions, a level that has persisted for at least three months. This classification means some pastures or crops have been damaged, and water sources like streams, reservoirs, and wells are low. The affected areas are primarily in the southern and southwestern parts of Puerto Rico.

Despite a favorable phase of the Madden-Julian Oscillation, suppressed convection has continued over the northern Caribbean region, including Puerto Rico. Impacts from the lack of rainfall are intensifying, with reports of crop stress, declining groundwater, and increased reservoir releases for irrigation. The U.S. Drought Monitor has expanded the D0 (abnormally dry) category and introduced moderate drought (D1) in some southern coastal areas where impacts are most severe.

Looking ahead, the development of El Niño and typical summer weather patterns raise concerns about further degradation of drought conditions in the coming weeks and months.