13 Jan 2023 | 12:12 PM UTC
Mexico: Adverse weather conditions forecast across much of the country through at least Jan. 16
Severe weather conditions forecast across much of Mexico through at least Jan.16. Flooding and disruptions possible.
Event
Successive weather fronts are forecast to bring adverse weather conditions across much of Mexico through at least Jan. 16. A cold front is forecast to move over eastern and southeastern areas of the country Jan. 13 before moving off into the Caribbean Sea Jan. 14. The front is expected to bring heavy rainfall to southeastern parts of the country Jan. 13 as well as draw in cold air leading to a drop in temperatures across northern, northeastern, central, eastern, and southeastern regions through Jan. 15. The front will also generate a surge of cold winds known as a Norte event over the Gulf of Mexico coast and the Yucatan Peninsula Jan. 13 and the Gulf and Isthmus of Tehuantepec Jan. 13-15.
A new cold front is expected to move over northwestern parts of the country Jan. 14-16, bringing strong winds and occasional downpours to the region. Strong winds could generate dust storms and cause rough sea conditions off the Baja California Peninsula. Snow and sleet are also possible in mountainous areas of Baja California, Chihuahua, and Sonora Jan. 15-16.
The heaviest rainfall is forecast in southeastern regions Jan. 13. Daily rainfall totals of 7.5-15 cm (3-6 inches) are expected in parts of Chiapas, Oaxaca, Tabasco, and Veracruz states and totals of 5-7.5 cm (2-3 inches) are forecast in parts of Campeche. The heavy downpours could trigger flooding in low-lying areas and landslides on unstable slopes in parts of the affected areas. Wind gusts of up to 100 kph (62 mph) are possible in eastern coastal areas Jan. 13 and off the Yucatan peninsula and across the Gulf and Isthmus of Tehuantepec Jan. 13-14. The strong winds will generate rough seas along the coasts of the gulfs of Mexico and Tehuantepec. Wind gusts of up to 110 kph (68 mph) are possible in parts of Baja California, Chihuahua, Durango, and Sonora Jan. 15-16. These winds could generate dust storms in arid parts of the region, as well as rough seas along western coastal areas. Temperatures could drop to as low as -10 C (14 F) in mountainous areas of Chihuahua and Durango over the coming days.
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.
