Panama weather: Rain and thunderstorms expected across the country Saturday

Panama is preparing for a day of rain, downpours and thunderstorms across much of the country on Saturday, Sept. 5, according to the Institute of Meteorology and Hydrology of Panama, known as Imhpa.

On the Pacific side, rain is expected overnight in the Gulf of Panama and Gulf of Chiriquí, southern Veraguas, the southern coast of Azuero and the Darién coast. Showers will continue through the morning around the Bay and Gulf of Panama, along the coasts of Panamá Oeste and Panamá Este, in southern Veraguas and Azuero, and on the Darién coast.

Moderate to heavy showers with thunderstorms are forecast in several areas during the afternoon. Intermittent rain will persist across much of the Pacific region at night.

The Caribbean side will also see intermittent rain of varying intensity and possible electrical activity overnight between Colón and Bocas del Toro. Cloudy conditions, rain and electrical activity are expected from Bocas del Toro to Costa Abajo de Colón and eastern Guna Yala during the morning. Afternoon thunderstorms are forecast for Guna Yala and Costa Arriba de Colón, with occasional rain elsewhere. Intermittent nighttime rain will extend from Bocas del Toro to Costa Abajo de Colón and eastern Guna Yala.

Minimum temperatures will range from 23°C to 26°C on both sides of the country, falling to 18°C to 24°C in mountainous areas and the Central Cordillera. Highs will reach 28°C to 31°C in the Caribbean and 29°C to 33°C in the Pacific. Imhpa also forecast Caribbean winds of 15 to 30 kilometers per hour, Pacific winds below 25 kph, and waves reaching up to 1.4 meters in the Caribbean and 1.3 meters in the Pacific. Authorities recommended following guidance from the National Civil Protection System, Sinaproc.