Panama weather alert: Heavy rains, rising rivers, and landslide risks expected

Panama is on alert as the Institute of Meteorology and Hydrology (Imhpa) warns of potential heavy rainfall, river swells, and landslides. The weather agency has issued a vigilance notice, anticipating moderate to heavy showers accompanied by electrical activity across diverse sectors of the country.

Across the Caribbean coast, morning forecasts suggest isolated and scattered rains, transitioning to moderate to heavy downpours with thunderstorms in the afternoon for Bocas del Toro, the Ngäbe-Buglé region, and northern Veraguas. Isolated showers are also possible in Guna Yala and Colón during the evening.

On the Pacific side, isolated showers are likely in Panama province, Panama Oeste, and coastal areas. The afternoon is expected to bring the most intense conditions to Chiriquí, Veraguas, and Coclé, with moderate to heavy thunderstorms. Isolated but strong showers with lightning are forecast for the rest of the country.

Temperatures are expected to range from a low of 12°C in the Central Mountains to a high of 32°C in other regions. Winds will pick up in the afternoon and evening, reaching up to 35 kilometers per hour. Maritime conditions in the Caribbean will see waves between 1.0 and 1.7 meters, while the Pacific coast faces waves from 0.3 to 1.6 meters, with a warning for rip currents. The UV-B radiation index will be moderate to very high.