Weather

On June 24th, Tropical Storm Andrea, the first named storm of the Atlantic hurricane season, was identified forming in the far northeastern Atlantic Ocean. According to the National Hurricane Center (NHC), Andrea poses no threat to the continental United States or the Caribbean. As the storm moves further away from land, it is forecast to dissipate over open waters.

The Atlantic hurricane season officially runs from June 1 to November 30. In anticipation of what is predicted to be an above-average season, the National Emergency Management Organization (NEMO) personnel in Belize Rural South have been actively participating in preparedness workshops.

As the Caribbean enters its peak tourism season, the region is experiencing a mix of warm and dry conditions, with some areas facing drought. Belize, for example, is currently in its typical dry season, which lasts from November to April. During this time, daytime temperatures can reach up to 28°C (82°F), while nighttime temperatures typically range from 23°C to 25 °C (73°F to 77°F). This stable weather pattern is expected to persist, with minimal rainfall anticipated.

On Saturday, November 30th, the 2024 Atlantic Basin Hurricane Season ended. During the five months of the season, 18 named storms formed. Among these, seven became tropical storms, while 11 reached hurricane status. Belize was spared from any major hurricanes; however, it was impacted by two tropical storms, Nadine and Sara. Flooding became a significant issue because of these storms, severely affecting the agricultural sector. This year's hurricane season is considered to have above-average activity, showing a notable increase compared to the annual average of 14 storms, with a record surge in activity after September.

After Tropical Storm Nadine passed on October 19th, residents of San Pedro did not anticipate another weather system to impact the area in mid-November. While the hurricane season typically concludes at the end of the month, storms rarely form in November. However, this year was different, as Tropical Storm Sara emerged, bringing heavy rainfall and flooding to much of Belize, including the Cayes, over the weekend of November 17th. In San Pedro Town, Ambergris Caye, and Caye Caulker, the National Emergency Management Organization (NEMO) branch was activated to monitor the weather system. Shelters were set up, and the team remained on standby for any emergencies.

In San Pedro Town, recent efforts have been focused on addressing significant drainage issues and improving road conditions, which have been worsened by flooding from Tropical Storm Sara. Under the leadership of Mayor Gualberto "Wally" Nuñez and Councilor Ernesto Bardalez, the San Pedro Town Council (SPTC) is undertaking a multi-phase initiative to enhance drainage systems and pave roads across the island. Several neighborhoods, including San Pablo, DFC, and Escalante Marina Drive, have already experienced progress due to the ongoing road construction project. However, the lack of a proper drainage system on the newly paved roads continues to result in flooding in these neighborhoods, causing considerable discomfort for the residents.

Tropical Storm Sara is approaching Belize, bringing heavy rainfall that poses a flood risk to low-lying areas nationwide. A tropical storm warning is in effect for Belize and the Cayes. Currently, the storm is hovering near the coast of Honduras, moving west at four miles per hour with maximum sustained winds of 45 miles per hour. The forecast predicts Sara will land in southern Belize on Sunday, November 17th, with maximum winds of 50 miles per hour and higher gusts. In San Pedro Town on Ambergris Caye, the inclement weather has resulted in heavy rainfall that has flooded streets and neighborhoods and contributed to beach erosion.

At 6 pm local time, Tropical Storm Sara was located near latitude 16.2N, longitude 86.3W, or about 155 miles southeast of Belize City. Sara was moving to the west at 2 mph with maximum sustained winds of 50 mph. A continued slow westward motion is expected for the next day or so, followed by a slow west-northwestward motion late on Saturday.