By The Star Staff
The stable weather conditions expected in Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands has brought forest fires, which firefighters were busy fighting in various towns on the island Tuesday.
Forest firefighters on Tuesday afternoon responded to fires reported in the Rexmanor urbanization in Guayama, in Ponce near the Portuguese Dam, in the Junco neighborhood in Peñuelas, Ceiba Sur neighborhood in Juncos, Buena Vista neighborhood in Humacao, and in the Aguilita sector of Juana Díaz.
“We urge nearby communities to take the necessary precautions due to the amount of smoke in the place,” the Firefighters Bureau recommended on its social networks.
With easterly winds prevailing for the rest of the week as high surface pressure dominates the western Atlantic, the public, firefighters and emergency officials are asked to be aware of weather conditions and the environment.
A cold front will approach the islands by mid-week, increasing the frequency of showers. Marine and coastal conditions will be deteriorating all week due to continuous winds and the presence of a northerly swell.
On Tuesday, highs were around 87 degrees with the temperature dropping in the afternoon to lows of around 76 degrees. East winds were at 10 to 15 miles per hour (mph) with gusts up to 25 mph. There was a 50% chance of rain.
Wednesday will see winds pick up in the morning, with mostly cloudy conditions prevailing and numerous showers, mainly in the morning. Highs will be around 83 degrees. The temperature will drop in the afternoon with east winds of 15 to 25 mph and a 60% chance of rain.