BTN News: Mexico has activated its meteorological alert protocols and is preparing for potential hydraulic emergencies as the country braces for a significant weather event. The upcoming stormy season, predicted to begin this weekend, could lead to the formation of a cyclone in the Pacific Ocean, off the coasts of Colima, Jalisco, and Michoacán. The National Meteorological Service (SMN) issued the alert on Thursday, highlighting the severity of the situation. This impending weather system is expected to affect a large portion of the country, bringing heavy rainfall, strong winds, and possible flooding. As the nation gears up for the storm, authorities are urging residents, especially those in vulnerable areas, to remain vigilant and prepared.
According to Alejandra Méndez Girón, the coordinator of the SMN, the next few days will see a surge in rainfall across several regions of Mexico, including the Yucatán Peninsula, southeastern, eastern, southern, central, and western parts of the country. This surge is primarily driven by Tropical Wave Number 15, which is currently located off the coast of Quintana Roo, and a low-pressure system with cyclonic potential situated in the Pacific Ocean, south-southeast of Chiapas.
The SMN predicts that the tropical wave will move across Campeche, Chiapas, Quintana Roo, Tabasco, southern Veracruz, and Yucatán by Friday. This movement is expected to interact with the low-pressure system over the Gulf of Tehuantepec, resulting in heavy to intense rainfall, electrical storms, hail, and strong winds, particularly in Chiapas and Oaxaca. Additionally, significant rainfall is expected in Campeche, Quintana Roo, Tabasco, Veracruz, and Yucatán, raising concerns over possible flash floods and landslides in these areas.
By Saturday, the tropical wave is forecasted to advance towards Mexico City, the State of Mexico, Guerrero, Hidalgo, Morelos, Oaxaca, Puebla, Tlaxcala, and Veracruz. Its interaction with the low-pressure system, which by then will be positioned off the coasts of Guerrero and Oaxaca, is likely to intensify the adverse weather conditions. The combination of these systems is anticipated to bring very heavy to intense rains, along with winds reaching speeds of 40 to 60 kilometers per hour, and waves as high as one to three meters along the coasts of Guerrero and Oaxaca.
Sunday could see the low-pressure system absorbing the tropical wave, potentially forming a cyclone near the coasts of Colima, Jalisco, and Michoacán. This potential cyclone is expected to move parallel to these coastal regions, drawing in moisture that will fuel continued heavy rainfall across the central, southern, and western parts of Mexico. The coastal areas of Guerrero, Michoacán, Colima, and Jalisco should brace for intense rains, electrical storms, possible hail, and strong winds of 40 to 60 kilometers per hour, with waves reaching up to three meters.
In light of these forecasts, the SMN has urged the population and maritime vessels in the region to take extreme precautions and stay informed about updates from the National Civil Protection System and the SMN. Authorities are emphasizing the importance of being prepared for any emergency situations that may arise due to the heavy rains, particularly in regions that are prone to flooding and landslides.
From Friday, August 9th to Monday, August 12th, accumulated rainfall is expected to reach between 150 to 200 millimeters in Chiapas, Colima, Guerrero, Jalisco, Michoacán, Morelos, Nayarit, Oaxaca, and Veracruz. Meanwhile, rainfall of 100 to 150 millimeters is forecasted for Mexico City, the State of Mexico, Guanajuato, Hidalgo, Puebla, Querétaro, Tabasco, and Tlaxcala. Additionally, the Yucatán Peninsula, including Campeche, Quintana Roo, and Yucatán, could experience 75 to 150 millimeters of rain during this period.
Earlier this year, Mexican authorities projected up to 41 named cyclones in the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, with at least five expected to impact the country—a figure higher than the average. So far, three cyclones have made landfall in Mexico, all in the Atlantic: Hurricane Beryl and Tropical Storm Chris in July, both of which fortunately left no casualties, and Tropical Storm Alberto in June, which tragically resulted in six deaths in Nuevo León, a northern border state of Mexico.
As the weekend approaches, the looming threat of a new cyclone forming off Mexico’s Pacific coast underscores the importance of remaining alert and prepared. The coming days will be critical as the nation watches the skies, braces for the impact, and hopes for minimal damage from this potentially powerful weather system.
