25 Nov 2022 | 11:28 AM UTC
Mexico: Adverse weather conditions forecast across much of the country through at least Nov. 28
Severe weather conditions forecast across much of Mexico through at least Nov. 28. Flooding and disruptions possible.
Event
Adverse weather conditions are forecast across many parts of Mexico through at least Nov. 28 due to a series of weather systems affecting the country. A cold front will move over northern, northeastern, and eastern parts of the country Nov. 25-26 before moving into the Gulf of Mexico Nov. 27-28. Behind the advancing cold front a winter storm will dip south from Texas into northern Mexico Nov. 25, bringing showers to Chihuahua, Coahuila, Nuevo Leon, and Tamaulipas states, as well as snow and sleet over mountainous areas of Sonora, Chihuahua, Durango, and Coahuila Nov. 25. The weather systems will also generate strong winds across northern parts of the country and dust storms in dry areas.
An ingress of moisture from the surrounding seas will also generate showers and thunderstorms across western, central, southern, and southeastern regions Nov. 25. The cold front will bring in a cold air mass behind it, leading to a drop in temperatures over northern and central parts of the country over the coming days. It will also drive a surge of cold winds known as a Norte event which will bring strong gusts and rough seas to coastal areas of Tamaulipas and Veracruz states. As the front moves into the Gulf of Mexico it will generate heavy rainfall in eastern and southeastern parts of the country, including the Yucatan Peninsula Nov. 26-28. A new cold front is expected to start approaching northwestern Mexico from Nov. 28, bringing strong winds and possible dust storms.
The heaviest rainfall over the coming days is expected in parts of Chiapas and Tabasco states Nov. 28, with rainfall totals of 7.5-15 cm (3-6 inches) possible. Rainfall totals of 5-7.5 cm (2-3 inches) are expected in parts of Chiapas Nov. 25-28, Oaxaca Nov. 25 and 28, Tabasco Nov. 27, and Veracruz Nov. 28. Sustained heavy rainfall could trigger rising river levels, flooding, and landslides in affected areas. Winds gusting up to 80 kph (50 mph) are expected across much of northern Mexico Nov. 25 and gusts could reach up to 90 kph (56 mph) in parts of northwestern Mexico Nov. 28. Temperatures could drop to as low as -10 C (14 F) in mountainous areas of Chihuahua, and Durango Nov. 25-28 and Coahuila, Sonora, and Zacatecas Nov. 25.
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 the 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.
