NPWSJU) are in effect. Winds are expected to shift from the east to southeast later in the short-term period. However, similar weather condtions are expected on Saturday and Sunday, as pockets of moisture will bring passing showers across the windward areas of the islands during the night, followed by diurnally induced afternoon showers and thunderstorms over the interior and northwestern PR. Heat advisory conditions will likely continue each day due to max temps in the low-to mid-90s with dewpoints in the low 80s across most lower elevations of the islands. && .LONG TERM....Monday through Friday... At this time, there is some discrepancy between the models, which is normal due to how far in time the system of interest is. The Global Forecast System (GFS model) suggests that the now tropical wave will move south of Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands by late Monday into Tuesday. Based on the GFS, the passage of this wave to the south of us will increase the precipitable water values to 1.8 to 2.0 inches (near normal), and most of the moisture content will stay at the low levels of the atmosphere. However, the European Center for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF model) suggests that the system will move closer to the forecast area by mid-week but as a well-developed low-pressure system, allowing precipitable water values to increase to 2.00 and 2.30 inches (above normal values for this time of the year). Despite the discrepancy between the well-known models, we suggest people stay updated with the changes that may arise as we get closer in time. That being said, the National Hurricane Center continues to give this tropical wave over the central Tropical Atlantic a 50 percent chance of development in the next 7 days. In other words, this wave has a medium percent change in development. The current long-term forecast leans towards what the GFS is suggesting by having the tropical wave move to the south and increasing the precipitable water to normal and slightly above normal. Due to the proximity of this wave, we anticipate an increase in shower and thunderstorm activity across the islands on both days. Some of the potential hazards of this weather event are urban and small- stream flooding, as well as localized flash flooding, which can be expected too. On Thursday, expect to see a gradual change in weather conditions as a mass of dry air will filter across the islands from the east, reducing the precipitable water values to the 50th (near normal )and 25th percentile (below normal). However, diurnally induced afternoon showers and thunderstorms are expected to develop over the interior and western sections of PR while passing trade wind showers with lighter rainfall amounts are expected across the USVI. By the end of the workweek into the weekend, the latest model guidance suggests the passage of another tropical wave. Nonetheless, it is too early to determine the direct impact that this could have on Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. && .AVIATION... (06Z TAFS) Mainly VFR conditions are expected to prevail across all terminals during the next 24 hours. However, SHRA and iso TSRA en route fm the Leeward Islands may cause tempo MVFR conds at TIST/TISX thru 30/12z. Diurnally induced afternoon SHRA/TSRA over western PR may cause brief MVFR cigs at TJPS/TJBQ btw 30/18z-22z. East winds expected at 12-16 kt with locally higher gusts and sea breeze variations aft 30/14z. && .MARINE... Expect lighter winds through Saturday. Moderate to locally fresh easterly winds will dominate over the next few days. Isolated to scattered showers are expected across the local waters, with isolated thunderstorms affecting the coastal waters of western Puerto Rico each afternoon. Consequently, locally choppy conditions for small craft are likely. The passage of the next tropical wave could further deteriorate marine conditions by next week. && .BEACH FORECAST... Moderate rip current risk should prevail across northern and eastern Puerto Rico, Culebra, Vieques, St. Thomas, and St. John today. && .SJU WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES... PR...Heat Advisory from 10 AM this morning to 5 PM AST this afternoon for PRZ001-003-005-007-008-010-011. VI...Heat Advisory from 10 AM this morning to 5 PM AST this afternoon for VIZ001. Excessive Heat Warning from 10 AM this morning to 5 PM AST this afternoon for VIZ002. AM...None. && $$ $$