Riviera Maya, Q.R. — A four day weather warning has been issued by State Civil Protection for all areas of Quintana Roo. Starting Thursday, for the next four days, Civil Protection says heavy rains are expected due to a low pressure zone associated with a tropical wave.
That rain is expected to begin late Thursday afternoon or early evening as the system heads toward the Gulf of Mexico. Quintana Roo Civil Protection warns of intense to torrential rains of between 150 to 200 mms during that time. Thunderstorms and wind gusts of 50 kms/h are also expected to accompany the system.
On Thursday morning, Coordinación Estatal de Protección Civil of Quintana Roo posted a public weather advisory regarding the arrival of the tropical wave.
“NOTICE: During Thursday, September 5th and until September 10th, there will be a period of rain due to a low pressure zone associated with a tropical wave (number 21) that will approach and pass over the Yucatan Peninsula towards the Gulf of Mexico, causing an increase in clouds and the potential for rain over the state of Quintana Roo.
“Intense to torrential rains (150 to 200 mms) are forecast during this period, accompanied by electrical activity and wind with gusts of 50 km/h. Therefore, appropriate measures must be taken to prevent possible flooding, mainly in low-lying areas.”
State Civil Protection is also warning residents about strong winds “that could knock down billboards or weak roofs of houses and trees, as well as the probable formation of waterspouts off the state’s coasts.”

The state agency has made several recommendations for citizens including staying informed by checking the updated weather bulletins. They are also suggesting residents clean roofs, gutters and nearby street drains to prevent flooding and also, to avoid driving on flooded or heavily puddled streets.
For boaters, Civil Protection says to “consult with the Port Captains before carrying out activities at sea and follow their instructions and restrictions. Take precautions when sailing and engaging in water activities due to strong winds and high waves on the coast of Quintana Roo.”

An official weather update regarding the approaching tropical wave was provided early Thursday morning.
“The approach of a low pressure zone with cyclonic potential associated with tropical wave number 21 and the influx of humid air from the Caribbean Sea towards the Yucatan Peninsula will cause cloudy skies over the state of Quintana Roo during the day and heavy to very heavy rains accompanied by electrical activity over most of the state.

“The environment will be very hot and muggy during the day and warm at night and at dawn. Wind with gusts of 35 to 45 km/h over the coastal areas of the state,” they reported.
The National Hurricane Centre (NOAA) is currently monitoring five systems in the Atlantic. Regarding the system posing the wet-threat to Quintanan Roo, the NOAA confirms the increase in rain and thunderstorm activity.
For the “Northwestern Caribbean Sea and Southwestern Gulf of Mexico, shower and thunderstorm activity has increased slightly in association with a westward-moving tropical wave located over the western Caribbean Sea.

“Significant development appears unlikely before the system reaches Belize and the Yucatan Peninsula by early Friday. Some development is possible late in the weekend into early next week after the system emerges over the southwestern Gulf of Mexico.”