Extreme drought spreads, now covering 17% of Puerto Rico

By THE STAR STAFF

Extreme drought continued to expand across Puerto Rico over the past week and now covers 17% of the territory -- primarily in the island’s southern and eastern sectors -- according to the latest U.S. Drought Monitor update, with data valid as of Tuesday, Aug. 11.

The new report reflects a further deterioration in drought conditions, with 72.2% of Puerto Rico falling into categories ranging from moderate to extreme drought.

Of Puerto Rico’s territory, 36.9% is experiencing severe drought, while 18.3% is in moderate drought, along with the 17% in extreme drought. Another 6.1% is classified as abnormally dry, while no area of ​​the island has reached the “exceptional drought” category, the highest level on the scale.

The map released in Thursday’s update shows extreme drought persisting in a significant strip along the southern coast and extending into southeastern sectors. A pocket of extreme drought also appears in eastern Puerto Rico, while severe drought covers a large portion of the island’s south, center and east.

The Drought Monitor uses five classifications to represent moisture conditions, ranging from “abnormally dry” (D0) to “exceptional drought” (D4). Categories D1, D2, and D3 correspond to moderate, severe and extreme drought, respectively.

Puerto Rico relies heavily on rainfall for human consumption and food production. Drought periods and associated heat stress can reduce crop yields, increase crop and livestock mortality, and drive up costs for feed, irrigation water, and energy.