Severe drought increases by 3.8%, mainly in south

More than half of island still under abnormally dry conditions or worse

By THE STAR STAFF

Puerto Rico’s mid‑summer dry spell continued to intensify this week, with severe drought now affecting 14.3% of the island, according to the latest update from the U.S. Drought Monitor, based on data valid as of Tuesday, July 14.

The report shows that 59.3% of Puerto Rico is experiencing some level of drought, a slight decrease from 61.4% the previous week. But within that overall figure, the area classified under severe drought grew significantly -- from 10.5% to 14.3% -- marking an expansion of 3.8 percentage points in the most intense category currently present on the island.

Moderate drought covers 45% of the island, while an additional 23% is considered abnormally dry, a designation used for regions that may be entering drought or beginning to recover. No areas are under extreme or exceptional drought.

The map released by the Drought Monitor indicates that severe conditions are concentrated in southern municipalities, while moderate drought extends across much of the east and interior. The classifications are used by federal and local agencies to guide decisions on agricultural assistance, loan eligibility and water‑resource planning.

Puerto Rico typically experiences a dry period during June and July, but this year’s rainfall deficits are raising concerns for water supplies, crop health and livestock. The island’s heavy dependence on rainfall for drinking water and food production makes prolonged dry spells especially disruptive.

The expanding drought has already prompted government action. Lawmakers have requested information from the Puerto Rico Aqueduct and Sewer Authority regarding its drought response plans, and water rationing measures have begun in municipalities such as Río Grande and Canóvanas. Several towns, including Quebradillas, have launched public campaigns urging residents to conserve water.

With river levels dropping and fire danger increasing, agencies continue monitoring conditions closely as the island moves deeper into the summer season.