Monday, March 18, 2024

Weather

2023 Hurricane Season wraps up; Belize spared

The 2023 Atlantic Hurricane Season ended on Thursday, November 30th, and was deemed very active in terms of the number of named storms. The season produced 20 named storms, ranking in fourth place for the most named storms in a season since the year 1950.

Remnants of Tropical Depression to bring rainfall to Belize

As the 2023 Hurricane Season continues in the Caribbean and Atlantic basin, a tropical depression named ‘Twenty-One’ is dissipating over Nicaragua. Its remnants are expected to soak other parts of Central America, including Belize. The National Meteorological Service of Belize forecasted on Tuesday, October 24th, a potential for excessive rainfall to start tonight and continue tomorrow, Wednesday, across the country.

Coral bleaching severely affecting reefs in 2023

The heat wave experienced this year is affecting people and resources in Belize, and the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef is severely bleaching due to rising sea temperatures. A preliminary report issued by Ecomar, a non-profit organization, indicates that Belize's water temperature has increased exponentially compared to any other year since 1985. This temperature rise has stressed corals, which are said to exhibit signs of mortality due to the severe bleaching.

Cold Front to cool down the current heat wave affecting the country

A cold front is expected to cross over Belize on Monday, October 16th, bringing relief after the current heat wave blanketing the country. The month of October is considered a time with cooler temperatures. However, this year, the heat of the summer has extended, triggering heat alerts by the National Meteorological Service of Belize advising, particularly those living on the mainland, to stay hydrated and avoid outdoor activities as much as possible.

Tropical wave to cause rains this weekend

A tropical wave over the southwestern Caribbean Sea near Nicaragua will cause showers and thunderstorms across Belize starting Friday evening, July 28th. The National Meteorological Service of Belize said as the tropical wave approaches the country, the rain will increase throughout the night and tomorrow, Saturday.

The National Meteorological Service of Belize Engages in the Readiness Phase of the Systematic Observations Financing Facility

Belize, through the National Meteorological Service (NMS) within the Ministry of Sustainable Development, Climate Change and Disaster Risk Management, has been selected as one of the first countries globally to benefit from the World Meteorological Organization's (WMOs) Systematic Observations Financing Facility (SOFF).

Analysis of Hot Conditions in Belize for 2023

The Heat Season, the time of the year during which most heatwaves occur in Belize, typically runs from April to October each year. The National Meteorological Service of Belize analyzed the intense heat experienced thus far in 2023.

NEMO assesses damages caused by a freak storm

Forecasts called for stormy weather on Monday, June 5th, but it arrived as an extremely strong thunderstorm sweeping over San Pedro, Ambergris Caye, catching many residents by surprise. The wild storm flooded streets, caused major power surges and an eventual hours-long outage, and damaged homes and properties. The island was battered with unprecedentedly strong winds, triggering the local National Emergency Management (NEMO) branch to be on alert and ready to assist the most affected.

2023 Hurricane Season officially starts; area of low pressure identified

The 2023 Hurricane Season for the Atlantic Basin (North Atlantic, Caribbean Sea, and the Gulf of Mexico) officially started on Thursday, June 1st, and will run through November 30th. The National Hurricane Center is already monitoring a low-pressure disturbance over the northeastern Gulf of Mexico. The weather disturbance poses no significant threat, as the system will encounter unfavorable conditions for further development by this weekend.

El Niño trend to influence upcoming hurricane season

The 2023 Atlantic Basin Hurricane Season starts on June 1st, and the return of El Niño will affect the strength of the storms associated with the yearly season. The good news is that according to forecasters, El Niño tends to contribute to weaker hurricanes in the Atlantic basin, while stronger storms in the central and eastern Pacific.

2022 Atlantic Hurricane Season draws to a close; Belize not spared

The hurricane season for this year came to a close on November 30th, making it one of the most damaging years. The season produced 14 named storms, of which eight became hurricanes, with two intensifying into major hurricanes.