20 Mar 2023 | 11:18 AM UTC
Mexico: Adverse weather conditions forecast across much of the country through at least March 23 /update 2
Severe weather conditions forecast across much of Mexico through at least March 23. Flooding and disruptions possible.
Event
Adverse weather conditions are forecast across much of Mexico through at least March 23. A winter storm system is forecast to bring strong winds and snow and sleet to mountainous parts of northern Mexico on March 20. A cold front will also bring heavy rainfall to eastern and southeastern regions and cold temperatures to central, eastern, northern, and northeastern regions on March 20 before the front moves into the Caribbean Sea on March 21. The front will also generate a surge of cold winds known as a Norte event over the Gulf of Mexico coast, the Gulf and Isthmus of Tehuantepec, and the Yucatan Peninsula on March 20. Rainfall totals of 5-7.5 cm (2-3 inches) are possible in parts of Chiapas, Oaxaca, Tabasco, and Veracruz states on March 20. Winds gusting up to 90 kph (56 mph) are expected in the Gulf and Isthmus of Tehuantepes and parts of Baja California, Chihuahua, and Sonora states, with dust storms also possible in these states. Snow and sleet are possible in mountainous parts of Chihuahua, Coahuila, Nuevo Leon, and Tamaulipas on March 20.
The new cold front is forecast to approach northwestern Mexico on March 20 and will bring strong winds, heavy downpours, snow in elevated areas, and cold temperatures across the northwest through at least March 23. Rainfall totals of 5-7.5 cm (2-3 inches) are forecast in parts of Baja California on March 21 and winds gusting up to 100 kph (62 mph) with dust storms are possible in parts of Baja California, Chihuahua, and Sonora March 21-22 and up to 90 kph (56 mph) in parts of Chihuahua, Coahuila, Durango, Nuevo Leon, and Tamaulipas March 23. Snow and sleet are possible in mountainous parts of Baja California March 21-23 and Chihuahua and Sonora March 23.
High temperatures are forecast to persist in western regions along the Pacific coast. Temperatures of 40-45 C (104-113 F) are expected in parts of Michoacan, Morelos, and Guerrero states March 21-23.
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.
