Above-normal to much above normal rainfall was observed across Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands in the past two months, putting an end to remaining drought across the Caribbean U.S. territories. In fact, through May 31, parts of the USVI and Puerto Rico are having their wettest year on record.

Beneficial rains were observed since February 1 across portions of the territories, causing drought conditions to relax in Puerto Rico and in the U.S. Virgin Islands. 

Although some dryness and drought conditions persist in other areas,  the northeastern Caribbean is moving into the start of its wet season, and drought conditions are expected to improve further. 

Below-normal precipitation was observed across the islands since December 1, resulting in drought deterioration for Puerto Rico and continued drought across St. Thomas and St. Croix in the U.S. Virgin Islands.

Drought conditions are expected to persist as the dry season continues across the northeastern Caribbean. 

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Beneficial rains this past month provided significant relief to drought on the islands, in particular across the U.S. Virgin Islands. 

Current drought conditions on the islands are expected to improve and/or be eliminated by the end of January.

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Drought conditions continue to prevail across the local islands, in particular on St. Thomas and St. Croix. Record heat in most areas has intensified drought impacts.

However, improvements are possible during the next few weeks as a wetter pattern begins to occur across the northeast Caribbean.

Drought conditions have improved across Puerto Rico, but have deteriorated across the U.S Virgin Islands.