FNCA62 TJSJ 090605
RFDSJU
PRZ014-015-018-019-022-024-027-092000-

Fire Danger Statement
National Weather Service San Juan PR
205 AM AST Thu Jul 9 2026

...ELEVATED FIRE DANGER EXPECTED ACROSS PORTIONS OF SOUTHERN AND 
EASTERN PUERTO RICO FROM 10 AM TO 4 PM AST TODAY...

A Fire Danger Statement has been issued for portions of southern
and eastern Puerto Rico due to the combination of a progressively
drier-than-normal air mass, moderate to locally high
concentrations of Saharan dust, breezy to windy easterly trade
winds, and critically dry fuels. Sustained easterly winds of 15 to
20 mph, with the strongest winds focused along the coastal plains
and adjacent hills where speeds may briefly reach around 25 mph,
along with higher gusts and minimum relative humidity values 
falling into the low 50s, will create favorable conditions for the
rapid ignition and spread of wildfires.

Although the strongest winds will be focused along the coastal
plains and adjacent hills, critically dry fuels, persistent
rainfall deficits, elevated KBDI values, and ongoing vegetation
stress will maintain fire weather concerns across much of southern
and eastern Puerto Rico. Recent wildfire activity, despite
localized heavy rainfall over the past several days, highlights
that rainfall has been insufficient to significantly improve fuel
conditions. The greatest fire weather concerns are expected
between 10 AM and 4 PM AST, although any fires that develop today
could spread quickly given the critically dry fuels and persistent
breezy conditions. Fire weather partners, emergency managers,
media, and the public should remain alert for rapidly changing
fire conditions and continue to monitor the latest forecasts and
statements, as elevated fire weather concerns are expected to
persist through the weekend.


Fire and emergency officials should be aware that weather 
conditions are becoming more conducive for the ignition and spread
of wildfires. 

Fire danger statements are issued when fire weather conditions
are approaching, but not meeting or exceeding, Red Flag Warning
criteria.

$$