22 Mar 2022 | 09:55 AM UTC
Mexico: Adverse weather forecast across northern, eastern, and southeastern regions through at least March 25 /update 2
Severe weather forecast across northern, eastern, and southeastern Mexico through at least March 25. Disruptions possible.
Event
Adverse weather, including heavy rainfall, thunderstorms, strong winds, and dust storms, is forecast across parts of northern, eastern, and southeastern Mexico through at least March 25. A combination of a cold front, polar trough, low-pressure channel, and the jet stream will cause strong winds with duststorms across parts of northern Mexico, as well as cold temperatures, thunderstorms, and possible snow and sleet over higher ground. As the cold front moves south March 23-25, it will bring heavy rainfall and thunderstorms to the eastern and southeastern parts of the country.
Strong winds with dust storms are likely over parts of Baja California, Baja Califronia Sur, Chihuahua, Coahuila, Durango, Nuevo Leon, San Luis Potosi, Sonora, Tamaulipas, and Zacatecas states March 22-23. Thunderstorms are also expected in parts of Chihuahua, Coahuila, Nuevo Leon, and Tamaulipas states early March 22, and snowfall and sleet are possible in mountainous parts of Chihuahua and Sonora. As the cold front moves over eastern and southeastern Mexico March 23-25, it will bring the potential for heavy rainfall and thunderstorms to these regions, whilst cold temperatures will prevail across much of the country's north. Heavy to very heavy rainfall is expected in Chiapas and Tabasco states March 23 and in Campeche, Quintana Roo, and Yucatan states March 24, with less intense rainfall also likely in parts of Puebla, Oaxaca, and Veracruz states.
Hazardous Conditions
Heavy rainfall associated with the system 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. Significant rainfall may be preceded by moderate winds and dust storms, though some more arid areas may experience high dust levels without rain. 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, and duststorms will reduce visibility. Hazardous weather conditions might cause flight delays and cancellations at airports.
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.
