23 May 2022 | 03:29 PM UTC
Mexico: Adverse weather forecast across much of the country through at least May 26
Severe weather forecast across much of Mexico through at least May 26. Possible flooding and associated disruptions.
Event
A combination of weather systems is forecast to bring adverse conditions across much of Mexico through at least May 26. A cold front remaining largely stationary over northern parts of the country will bring heavy rainfall, thunderstorms, and strong winds over northern, northeastern, eastern, southeastern, and southern regions through May 26. A tropical wave is forecast to move over the south and west of the country May 23-26, bringing showers, thunderstorms, and possible hailstorms to these regions and into central Mexico. Low pressure channels will also bring heavy rainfall and thunderstorms to southeastern regions and the Yucatan Peninsula during this period. Despite the widespread storms and downpours, temperatures will remain high across much of Mexico in the coming days, particularly in the evenings, with maximum temperatures reaching above 40 C (104 F) in Nuevo Leon, Tamaulipas, San Luis Potosi, Michoacan, Guerrero, Oaxaca, Veracruz, Tabasco, and Campeche states May 23-24.
The heaviest downpours are expected across parts of Chiapas, Nuevo Leon, and Tamaulipas states May 23-24, with 7.5-15 cm of rainfall (3-6 inches) possible during this period. Areas of Chiapas could also receive 5-7.5 cm (2-3 inches) of rainfall May 24-25 and 7-15 cm (3-6 inches) May 26, and the continuous heavy downpours could lead to flooding and landslides in parts of the state. Heavy rainfall is also forecast over parts of Coahuila, Oaxaca, and San Luis Potosi states May 23-24 and Campeche, Oaxaca, Tabasco, and Veracruz states May 26. Showers with isolated heavy downpours are also possible across many other parts of the country May 23-26. Winds of up to 80 kph (50 mph) with possible dust storms are possible across many northern, central, and southeastern states during this period and could be accompanied by dust storms in some northern and north-central states. The formation of whirlwinds is possible in parts of northern Coahuila, northern Nuevo Leon, and northern and northwestern Tamaulipas states May 23-24.
Hazardous Conditions
The active weather systems 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. Landslides are possible in hilly or mountainous areas, especially where the soil has become saturated by heavy rainfall. Power outages could occur throughout the affected areas.
Transport
The severe weather will likely contribute to transport disruptions throughout affected regions. 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.
