04 Jan 2023 | 11:24 AM UTC
Mexico: Adverse weather conditions forecast across northern, northeastern, central, eastern, and southeastern regions through at least Jan. 7
Severe weather conditions forecast across much of Mexico through at least Jan. 7. Flooding and disruptions possible.
Event
Adverse weather conditions are forecast across parts of northern, northeastern, central, eastern, and southeastern Mexico through at least Jan. 7. The predominant weather features are expected to be heavy rainfall in southeastern regions, a drop in temperatures across northern, central, and eastern regions, and strong winds over eastern and southern regions. A cold front is forecast to move over eastern and southeastern areas of the country Jan. 4-7, and will draw in a mass of cold air behind it, leading to a drop in temperatures over northern, northeastern, central, and eastern parts of the country. Ahead of the front, heavy rainfall is likely in southeastern areas, including the Yucatan Peninsula, with the heaviest rainfall likely in parts of Chiapas and Tabasco states Jan. 5. 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.
Daily rainfall totals of 7.5-15 cm (3-6 inches) are expected in parts of Chiapas and Tabasco states Jan. 5. Totals of 5-7.5 cm (2-3 inches) are forecast in parts of Oaxaca and Veracruz Jan. 5 and Chiapas Jan. 6. The heavy downpours could trigger flooding in low-lying areas and landslides on unstable slopes in parts of the affected areas. Wind gusts of 40-80 kph (25-50 mph) are expected in eastern coastal areas and across the Gulf and Isthmus of Tehuantepec. Temperatures could drop to as low as -10 C (14 F) in mountainous areas of Chihuahua and Durango.
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. 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.
