Panama weather: Downpours to intensify in afternoon and night; strong wave alert maintained

Panama's weather is expected to be dominated by persistent rainfall, with the Institute of Meteorology and Hydrology (Imhpa) warning of intensified downpours throughout the afternoon and evening. These conditions are accompanied by advisories for strong waves along the Caribbean coast and heightened risks of river flooding, landslides, and dangerous rip currents.

On the Caribbean coast, isolated showers are anticipated in the morning, particularly affecting Costa Abajo de Colón, northern Veraguas, the Ngäbe-Buglé region, and the coasts of Bocas del Toro. By afternoon, rainfall is expected to intensify in Bocas del Toro, Ngäbe-Buglé, and northern Veraguas, with some areas in Costa Abajo and central Colón potentially experiencing strong rains. Evening forecasts indicate widespread showers across the Gulf of Mosquitos, extending from Bocas del Toro to Costa Abajo de Colón, with possible rain also in eastern Guna Yala.

The Pacific coast will see scattered showers in the morning, some with electrical activity over maritime zones, and isolated rain in northern Coclé, western Panama Oeste, Los Santos, and southern Darién. Afternoon forecasts predict moderate to heavy showers with thunderstorms in Darién, the Azuero Peninsula, central and southern Veraguas, and Chiriquí. Coclé and parts of western Panama Oeste may experience intense rainfall.

Temperatures will range from 20°C to 24°C in the Central Mountains and between 27°C and 31°C in the rest of the country. Imhpa also alerted that storms could bring strong wind gusts. Maritime conditions on the Caribbean coast are under a vigilance advisory with waves between 1.4 and 2.8 meters, while the Pacific coast remains under caution for rip currents with waves between 0.4 and 1.5 meters. Imhpa urged special attention in areas with saturated soils, especially in the Central Mountains, eastern Chiriquí, parts of Veraguas, and western Costa Abajo de Colón, due to the increased likelihood of river flooding and landslides. Additionally, UV-B radiation levels are expected to be between 5 and 9, posing moderate to very high risks, necessitating sun protection measures.

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The Institute of Meteorology and Hydrology of Panama (Imhpa) warned that rains will persist in much of the country this Saturday, with greater intensity during the afternoon and night, while maintaining vigilance notices for waves on the Caribbean and for the risk of river flooding, landslides, and rip currents.