28 Feb 2022 | 09:52 AM UTC
Mexico: Adverse weather forecast across much of the country through at least March 2
Severe weather forecast across much of Mexico through at least March 2. Transport, business, and utility disruptions possible.
Event
A cold front is forecast to bring heavy rainfall, strong winds, cold temperatures, and dense fog across parts of Mexico through at least March 3. The cold front will move over the south of the Gulf of Mexico Feb. 28, bringing heavy rainfall to eastern and southeastern regions, including Chiapas, Oaxaca, Puebla, Tabasco, and Veracruz states. Cold air behind the front will cause a drop in temperatures across northern, northeastern, and eastern regions, as well as dense fog banks across the Sierra Madre Oriental mountain range. Strong winds and rough seas are expected along the coasts of Tabasco, Tamaulipas, and Veracruz states, as well as the Gulf and Isthmus of Tehuantepec.
The cold front will move slowly over southeastern Mexico and the Yucatan Peninsula March 1-2, bringing further showers to eastern and southeastern regions. Cold temperatures will continue in northern, northeastern, and eastern areas, especially at night, and will bring morning frosts across these regions. Strong winds and rough seas are likely to continue in the Gulf of Mexico and the Gulf and Isthmus of Tehuantepec through March 2.
Hazardous Conditions
The weather system could produce rounds of heavy precipitation, strong winds, and isolated thunderstorm activity across Mexico in the coming days. Heavy rainfall could trigger flash and areal flooding in some areas. Such flooding is possible in low-lying communities near watercourses and other large bodies of water and in urban areas with easily overwhelmed stormwater drainage systems. Sites located downstream of large reservoirs may be subject to flash flooding after relatively short periods of intense rainfall. Power outages could occur throughout the affected areas.
Transport
The severe weather will likely contribute to transport disruptions throughout the region. Traffic and commercial trucking delays might occur along regional highways. Flooding downpours could inundate some low-lying roads in areas with poor drainage. Strong winds might also pose a hazard to high-profile vehicles. Hazardous weather conditions might cause flight delays and cancellations at airports across affected regions.
Advice
Monitor local media for weather updates and related advisories. Confirm all transport reservations and business appointments before travel. Make allowances for localized travel delays and potential supply chain disruptions where flooding has been forecast. Do not drive on flooded roads. Charge battery-powered devices in the case of prolonged electricity outages.
