Weather
Saharan dust causes hazy skies over Ambergris Caye
The sky over San Pedro, Ambergris Caye, has been hazy and dusty for the past few days because of the Saharan Air Layer (SAL) from the Sahara Desert in northern Africa. This phenomenon is also responsible for the current heat wave. The National Meteorological Service has advised the public to stay hydrated and avoid outdoor activities as much as possible, particularly during afternoon hours.
Weather
Highly Active Hurricane Season predicted for 2024: 23 storm names announced
The first forecast for the 2024 Atlantic Hurricane Season has been announced, and weather experts predict this year's season will be highly active with 23 storm names. These include Alberto, Beryl, Chris, Debby, Ernesto, Francine, Gordon, Helene, Isaac, Joyce, Kirk, Leslie, Milton, Nadine, Oscar, Patty, Rafael, Sara, Tony, Valerie, and William.
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.
Weather
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.
Environment
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.
Weather
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.
Weather
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.
Government
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).
