The 2023 Caribbean heat wave was one of the heat waves in the series of the 2023 heat waves. It was an intense weather event characterized by prolonged record-breaking temperatures affecting the Caribbean, South Florida, and the Gulf of Mexico.[1][2]
On June 6, 2023, a high-pressure system from east of Puerto Rico combined with dust from the Sahara, increased humidity, and record-breaking Atlantic temperatures (likely exacerbated by climate change)[3] to form a heat dome, which drove the local heat index to historic highs.[2][4][5]
In early June 2023, a LUMA Energy power plant failed during high demand, causing a power outage that affected over 100,000 people in Puerto Rico. LUMA Energy urged customers to conserve energy, and most of the service was restored by June 7.[6]
The heat index surpassed 110 °F (43 °C) in some areas, with extremes of 125 °F (52 °C) in northern Puerto Rico.[7] High temperatures continued overnight. San Juan set a record-high minimum of 82 °F (28 °C) for three consecutive nights. Additionally, the island of Saba reported a record 92 °F (33 °C), and Aruba reported 95.5 °F (35.3 °C).[7] Sea temperatures also reached record levels in areas over the Atlantic Ocean.[7] On June 7, an excessive heat warning was issued for north-central Puerto Rico and a heat advisory in other areas.[8]
