Area Forecast Discussion
Issued by NWS San Juan, PR
Issued by NWS San Juan, PR
016 FXCA62 TJSJ 011731 AFDSJU Area Forecast Discussion National Weather Service San Juan PR 131 PM AST Mon Dec 1 2025 ...New SHORT TERM, LONG TERM, AVIATION, MARINE, BEACH FORECAST... .KEY MESSAGES... Issued at 110 PM AST Mon Dec 1 2025 * A higher chance of thunderstorms on Tuesday for eastern Puerto Rico, with localized ponding of water and reduced visibility during heavier showers as a trough crosses the islands. * Daily passing showers and a few afternoon thunderstorms will continue through the period in a seasonal pattern. * For the U.S. Virgin Islands: passing trade-wind showers remain common, with a slight uptick in thunderstorm chances on Tuesday; brief heavy rain may create minor flooding. * Moderate rip currents will persist through most of the week along the north and east coasts of Puerto Rico and the USVI. Small craft should exercise caution from Wednesday onward as a weak northeasterly swell and increasing winds return. && .Short Term(This evening through Wednesday)... Issued at 110 PM AST Mon Dec 1 2025 Mostly fair conditions prevailed across the islands during the morning hours, with a few pockets of showers moving across the local waters and passages, and some over the windward sections of the CWA. Winds continued to weaken, with stations across the islands reporting maximum gusts not exceeding 25 mph. Additionally, heat indexes didnt exceed 100 degrees Fahrenheit, posing no threat across the region. As forecasted, with winds from the ENE-NE, afternoon convection started over the mountain ranges of Puerto Rico and spread into the south-southwestern portions, with accumulations below flooding criteria. Streamers from the islands also developed, leaving low accumulations over eastern Puerto Rico. No major changes were introduced to the short-term forecast. The latest satellite-derived products show seasonal PWAT values over the CWA (1.4 - 1.5 inches) and an induced surface trough just east of the region with 1.6 - 1.8 inches. According to the latest model solutions, the trough is expected to approach the local area later tonight, weakening NE-E surface winds and pooling high moisture content. Due to the presence of the trough, cooler-than-normal 500 mb temperatures, and ventilation aloft due to strong winds, triggering upper-level dynamics will allow cloud growth, enhancing deep convection activity. An advective pattern is expected to start tonight, impacting mainly windward sections of the CWA throughout the morning and afternoon convection over the mountain ranges and southern Puerto Rico. Due to weakening winds, showers and isolated thunderstorms may remain stationary, increasing flooding potential. Although model guidance suggest rainfall accumulations that could induce flooding in the afternoon, theres uncertainty introduced to the forecast due to the possibility of high cloud coverage that may inhibit convection. A similar weather pattern can be expected on Wednesday, with limited flooding and lightning risk. From the latest model guidance, 925mb temperatures may slightly increase, reaching above climatological normal, with Wednesday being the warmest day of the period. Although heat indexes in localized area may reach 100 degrees Fahrenheit, these are not expected to reach Heat Advisory Criteria. Hence, no heat threat is expected during the forecast period. && .Long Term(Thursday through next Sunday)... Issued at 540 AM AST Mon Dec 1 2025 The long-term forecast remains without significant changes. An upper-level trough will continue to influence the region by Thursday, while an easterly disturbance approaches the islands, sustaining a humid and somewhat unsettled pattern. Latest precipitable water (PWAT) guidance shows moisture peaking Thursday between 1.65 and 1.85 inches, which is above the climatological norm for early December. This enhanced moisture will support showers driven by a northeasterly flow, periodically affecting windward areas. Afternoon convection is also possible, particularly across interior and western Puerto Rico, where brief heavy downpours and isolated thunderstorms cannot be ruled out, but the 500 mb temperatures should warm to above-normal values and that might slightly decrease the chance. As a result, this period (Thursday) feature the highest precipitation chance, posing a limited flood risk at this time, as rain activity will likely result in ponding of water in roads and poorly drained areas, and a low chance to observe urban and small streams flooding. Winds are also expected to become breezier from Thursday through the weekend. By Friday and into the weekend, a high-pressure system over the western Atlantic will move north of the islands. As ridging builds at various levels of the atmosphere, more stable conditions are expected, with drier air arriving and PWAT values falling below 1.4 inches, accompanied by moderate to locally breezy easterly to northeasterly winds. Even so, lingering moisture (20 to 50 percent chance of showers) will continue to support occasional showers, especially during the overnight and early morning hours. Temperatures at 925 mb are forecast to be near-average values, supporting seasonal surface temperatures. No heat-related risks are anticipated at this time. && .AVIATION... (18Z TAFS) Issued at 110 PM AST Mon Dec 1 2025 Mostly VFR conds across TAF terminals, with likely MVFR conds over JSJ and IST late tonight. Aftn convection will likely bring VCTS and -RA over JPS by 0118z, while the rest of sites may have VCSH. PROB30 for JSJ and IST btwn 02/03-09z due sfc trough approaching the CWA, reducing CIGs/VIS and promoting brf MVFR conds. Winds will become light and VRB by 0123z, increasing btw 7 to 10kt by 02/13-14z. && .MARINE... Issued at 110 PM AST Mon Dec 1 2025 Moderate northeasterly winds will continue through Tuesday as a surface trough approaches and crosses the region tomorrow. Seas will gradually subside but will still warrant caution for small craft, particularly across the offshore Atlantic waters. Isolated thunderstorms remain possible over the local waters and may produce brief gusty winds and locally higher seas. After the trough moves through on Tuesday, winds will shift back to a more easterly direction on Wednesday. A weak northeasterly swell and increasing winds by midweek will maintain a moderate marine hazard risk, mainly across the Atlantic waters. Overall, seas are expected to remain moderate, but brief increases in winds and wave heights may occur during passing showers or isolated thunderstorms and again as winds strengthen midweek. && .BEACH FORECAST... Issued at 110 PM AST Mon Dec 1 2025 A moderate risk of rip currents will continue along the north and eastfacing beaches of Puerto Rico, including Vieques and Culebra, and across the U.S. Virgin Islands. These conditions are expected to persist most of the week, as a weak northeasterly swell and increasing winds arrive by Wednesday. A moderate risk means that dangerous rip currents are possible and can quickly pull swimmers away from shore. Even where the risk is lower, rip currents can still form near groins, jetties, reefs, and piers. Visitors and residents are strongly encouraged to swim near a lifeguard and remain aware of changing conditions. Passing showers and an isolated thunderstorm may move across coastal areas at times. Brief heavy rain could reduce visibility and may cause hazardous conditions for beachgoers and small vessels near the shore. For the latest localized risk levels, visit weather.gov/beach/sju. && .SJU WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES... PR...None. VI...None. AM...None. && $$ SHORT TERM/AVIATION...MNG LONG TERM...YZR MARINE/BEACH FORECAST...CVB