Panama: Expect Nationwide Weather-Related Disruption in Coming Days
OVERVIEW
Level: Advisory
Location: Panama
Category: Storm, Flood, Road disruption
Active: 19 Jun 2026 – 21 Jun 2026
Last Updated: 19 Jun 2026
Expect nationwide weather-related disruption in the coming days. The Institute of Meteorology and Hydrology of Panama (IMHPA) has issued an orange warning (middle on a three-tier scale, meaning ‘danger’) for heavy rainfall and thunderstorms. The warning will remain in effect until at least 23.59 (local time) on 18 June. The IMHPA forecast up to 11 inches (28cm) of rainfall in some provinces, including Darien, Embera Wounaan and Veraguas. Flooding, power outages and road disruption are possible in affected areas.
Consult the IMHPA website for information on prevailing weather conditions and plan journeys accordingly. Ensure routes are clear before setting out. Reconfirm bookings with relevant service providers. In case of a cancellation, your travel agent can assist with alternative arrangements. Disruption to essential services, such as electricity, may occur in affected areas. Charge all communications devices and keep backup batteries. Avoid floodwaters, which may be electrically charged due to underground or fallen power lines. Do not attempt to cross flooded roads. If you come upon a flooded road, turn around and find an alternative route to your destination.
Rainy Conditions will Persist in the Caribbean and the Pacific Due to the Influence of Atmospheric Systems
Panama City: According to the forecast from the Institute of Meteorology and Hydrology of Panama (Imhpa) for this Friday, June 19, the atmosphere over the country remains unstable due to the influence of the monsoon trough located over the Pacific, north of Panama and in the Caribbean region of Colombia, as well as the presence of low pressure systems on both coasts and the passage of tropical waves. These conditions will favor the development of rain and downpours in different sectors of the national territory, characteristics typical of the rainy season.
During the morning, scattered skies with rain are expected on the Caribbean side in areas of the province of Colón, the Guna Yala and Ngäbe-Buglé regions, as well as in Bocas del Toro. For the afternoon and evening, cloudy skies are expected with intermittent light rain and episodes of downpours accompanied by electrical activity in Colón, northern Veraguas, the Guna Yala and Ngäbe-Buglé regions, as well as Bocas del Toro. On the Pacific side, morning conditions will be marked by scattered skies and isolated showers over parts of the Darien, East Panama, Coclé regions and coasts and the gulfs of Chiriquí and Panama.
Towards the afternoon and evening, cloudy periods with isolated showers and thunderstorms are forecast for Central, Northern, Western and Eastern Panama, as well as Darien, the highlands of Chiriquí, the Ngäbe-Buglé region, the Coclé mountain ranges, southern Veraguas and the Azuero region. Minimum temperatures will range between 11°C and 21°C, while maximum temperatures will range between 28°C and 32°C. As for the winds, in the Caribbean southwest currents will predominate during the morning, with speeds between 3 and 5 kilometers per hour, changing to west-northwest during the afternoon and night, when they will reach between 9 and 13 kilometers per hour.
In the Pacific, south-southwest winds of around 5 kilometers per hour will persist during the morning, shifting to the east with similar speeds in the afternoon and evening. Sea conditions will remain favorable for activities on both coasts. In the Caribbean, waves of up to 1.21 meters in height with periods of up to eight seconds are expected, while in the Pacific, waves will reach approximately 0.61 meters with periods of 11 seconds. The IMHPA also warned that UV-B ultraviolet radiation levels will remain high to very high on both slopes during the morning and afternoon hours, and therefore recommends taking protective measures against prolonged sun exposure.
Sea conditions will remain reasonably favorable for activities on both coasts. In the Caribbean, waves of up to 1.21 meters in height with periods of up to eight seconds are expected, while in the Pacific, waves will reach approximately 0.61 meters with periods of 11 seconds.
