Panama Weather from IMHPA Forecasts Downpours from Storms and the Risk of Flooding in Several Regions of the Country.

The Institute of Meteorology and Hydrology of Panama (IMHPA) reported that unstable weather conditions are expected this Sunday, with cloudy skies, downpours and storms of varying intensities during different periods of the day, mainly in sectors of the Caribbean and Pacific slopes.  During the early morning hours, rain and thunderstorms are expected in the Caribbean maritime sector, some of which will move inland with varying intensities. These conditions will occur in a scattered fashion, mainly from Colón to Bocas del Toro.  Cloudy skies are forecast for the afternoon, accompanied by scattered showers and thunderstorms of varying intensity along the Caribbean coast. Cloud cover is expected to persist into the evening, with scattered, light rain. 

The IMHPA forecasts scattered, light rain along the Pacific slope during the early morning hours, primarily affecting southern Darién, the Metropolitan Region, Coclé, Veraguas, and Chiriquí. Cloudy skies will prevail throughout the morning.  Similarly, moderate to heavy downpours, accompanied by thunderstorms and gusty winds, are expected this afternoon from Chiriquí to southern Veraguas. Scattered showers of moderate intensity, also accompanied by thunderstorms and gusty winds, are forecast for the rest of the Pacific slope.  The expected weather conditions represent an increased risk of flooding, river overflows, landslides, flooded streets, and gusts of wind, so the population is advised to stay alert to official warnings and take the corresponding preventive measures. 

As for temperatures, highs of between 16 °C and 22 °C are expected in the Central Mountain Range, while in the rest of the national territory the values ​​could range between 27 °C and 30 °C.  Meanwhile, winds will be variable and light in the Western Caribbean. In the Central and Eastern Caribbean, south and southeast winds are expected during the early morning hours, with speeds up to 20 km/h, shifting to north and northeast winds during the afternoon and evening.  On the Pacific coast, southeasterly winds are expected during the early morning hours, with speeds of up to 20 km/h.  Later, variations in wind direction are forecast, while during the afternoon and evening, conditions will vary by region, with speeds of up to 18 km/h in parts of Chiriquí, Veraguas, Herrera, and Los Santos. 

Finally, winds of up to 28 km/h are expected in the Pacific maritime sector, while conditions in the Caribbean will be less intense. Regarding sea state, waves between 0.60 and 0.91 meters are forecast for the Caribbean, with periods of six to eight seconds; while in the Pacific, waves are expected to reach between 0.61 and 1.50 meters, with periods of 13 to 15 seconds. Therefore, the recommendation of caution remains in effect.  In addition, the maximum UV-B ultraviolet radiation levels will range between 3 and 7, levels considered moderate to high risk, so the population is advised to limit prolonged exposure to the sun and use protective measures.