AI Insight
Puerto Rico is experiencing a severe and rapidly intensifying drought, with 75% of the territory affected by at least moderate drought conditions and 44% under extreme drought as of August 25. Some areas have received less than 20% of their typical rainfall during what is normally the rainy season. The drought has led to water rationing, agricultural losses including crop failures and hay shortages for livestock, and has prompted both local and federal disaster declarations.
Why it matters
This drought threatens Puerto Rico's water security, food production, and agricultural economy, requiring emergency management responses. The severity and rapid onset of the drought during the normally wet season highlights the vulnerability of island territories to extreme weather events and potential climate variability impacts.
Understand the Science
Puerto Rico’s normally rainy season has instead brought a severe and fast-growing drought. By August 25, three-quarters of the territory was in at least moderate drought, with extreme drought covering 44 percent and some areas receiving less than 20 percent of their usual rainfall. Water shortages have forced rationing, while farmers are losing crops and ranchers are running low on hay. The situation has become serious enough to trigger both local and federal disaster declarations.
Source: Extreme drought now covers 44% of Puerto Rico