19 Dec 2022 | 11:55 AM UTC
Mexico: Adverse weather conditions forecast across northern, northeastern, central, eastern, and southeastern regions through at least Dec. 22 /update 1
Severe weather conditions forecast across parts of Mexico through at least Dec. 22. Flooding and disruptions possible.
Event
Adverse weather conditions are forecast across parts of northern, northeastern, central, eastern, and southeastern Mexico through at least Dec. 22 due to successive weather fronts. A frontal system off the east coast in the Gulf of Mexico will interact with a low pressure channel to bring showers to eastern and southeastern regions Dec. 19-21, with heavy downpours likely over parts of Chiapas, Oaxaca, Tabasco, and Veracruz states Dec. 20. The front will draw in a cold air mass, leading to a drop in temperatures especially over elevated areas of northern, northeastern, central, and eastern parts of the country. The front will also generate a surge of cold winds known as a Norte event over eastern coastal areas and the Gulf and Isthmus of Tehuantepec. A new cold front is expected to move over the northeast of the country Dec. 22, bringing showers to northeastern and eastern regions, as well as freezing temperatures to the northeast and possible sleet over mountainous parts of Coahuila and Nuevo Leon states. The second front will also generate another Norte event over the coasts of Tamaulipas and Veracruz.
Daily rainfall totals of 7.5-15 cm (3-6 inches) are expected in parts of Chiapas, Oaxaca, Tabasco, and Veracruz states Dec. 20. The heavy downpours could trigger flooding in low-lying areas and landslides on unstable slopes in parts of the affected areas. Winds gusting up to 80 kph (62 mph) will generate rough seas in eastern coastal areas and across the Gulf and Isthmus of Tehuantepec Dec. 20-21 and could reach up to 110 kph (68 mph) along the coasts of Tamaulipas and Veracruz Dec. 22. Temperatures could drop to as low as -10 C (14 F) in mountainous areas of Chihuahua and Durango Dec. 19-22 and Coahuila, Nuevo Leon, and Tamaulipas Dec. 22.
Hazardous Conditions
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.
Precipitation could fall as snow in higher elevations over the coming days. Wind gusts could cause blowing and drifting snow; decreased visibility is likely in mountainous areas. 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. Authorities may temporarily suspend port operations or close beach fronts if strong winds trigger hazardous sea conditions. Flooding could block regional rail lines; freight and passenger train delays and cancellations are likely in areas that see heavy rainfall and potential track inundation.
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.
