06 Apr 2022 | 12:00 PM UTC
Mexico: Adverse weather forecast across much of the country through at least April 9
Severe weather forecast across much of Mexico through at least April 9. Transport, business, and utility disruptions possible.
Event
A cold front driven by a cold air mass will interact with the subtropical jet stream to bring adverse weather, including strong winds, heavy rainfall, and a drop in temperatures, across much of Mexico through at least April 9. The cold front will enter north and northeastern Mexico April 6, bringing strong winds that could lead to dust storms in these regions. The weather system will move over eastern and southeastern Mexico April 7-9, bringing heavy rainfall accompanied by thunderstorms and possible hail to eastern and central regions. The mass of cold air behind the cold front will cause a drop in temperatures over the north, northeast, center, east, and southeast of Mexico and strong winds are expected across the northern and central mountains, the Gulf of Mexico, the Gulf and Isthmus of Tehuantepec, and the Yucatan Peninsula.
The heaviest rainfall is forecast in parts of Chiapas, Oaxaca, Tabasco, and Veracruz states April 7-8. Rainfall totals of 7.5-15 cm (3-6 inches) per 24 hours are possible in these areas, which could trigger flooding in low-lying areas and landslides on unstable slopes. Showers with localized heavy downpours are also possible across much of the rest of central, eastern, and southeastern Mexico in the coming days. Strong winds gusting up to 90 kph (56 mph) are expected in the Gulf of Mexico early April 8 and gusting up to 100 kph (62 mph) across the Gulf and Isthmus of Tehuantepec April 8. Intense winds in northern states could cause dust storms in parts of Baja California, Chihuahua, Coahuila, Nuevo Leon, San Luis Potosi, Sonora, Tamaulipas, and Zacatecas April 6-9.
Hazardous Conditions
The active 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.
