National Meteorological Service of Belize is closely monitoring weather system

An increase in moisture and rainfall is expected in Belize throughout the week. The National Emergency Management Organization (NEMO) and the National Meteorological Service of Belize is closely monitoring the current system that is observed over the Eastern Caribbean Sea. The system has not yet become organized, however, there is still potential for it to become a tropical storm over the central or Caribbean Sea by the end of the week as it approaches Central America. Reports are that the latest model forecast is backing away from the system becoming very strong before reaching Central America. Chief Meteorologist at the National Meteorologist Service of Belize, Ronald Gordon spoke to Love News about the movement that the system will possibly take. 

Ronald Gordon, Chief Meteorologist: “The likely scenario, which is not the only scenario but the most likely scenario is that it goes inland over Nicaragua or Honduras and then of course because it’s going over land it would weaken and then take a northwesterly track and emerge into the Gulf of Honduras, that’s one scenario and then affect the country with heavy rainfall. It doesn’t, based on the model at the moment, the models it doesn’t appear that it will strengthen significantly after emerging into the Gulf of Honduras but the system will produce heavy rainfall. I think the bottom line or the key message is for us to be aware and to continue monitoring. The public should be prepared to act in the event that any watches or warnings are issued but I repeat again there are currently no watches or warnings as it relates to tropical storm or hurricane for the country of Belize. If that is necessary this department will inform NEMO of such and of course NEMO will advice the Prime Minister and that will be declared but that is the case as of now. We are not there yet. We are monitoring and we are keeping a close watch on this system as we speak.”

There is a combination of factors that are going to lead to an increase of moisture and rainfall in Belize. One of those factors is a cold front that is forecast to come down before the system reaches the area late tomorrow into Thursday. The Chief Meteorologist advises the public not to panic and to be prepared in the event of an emergency. 

Ronald Gordon, Chief Meteorologist: “And I think one of the key messages to keep monitoring, to keep looking at it. Weather changes and you need to be updated so sometimes people would tend to look at a forecast and then twenty four hours later they would go back and say well it didn’t materialize how you looked at it but if you’re following the trend and how things are changing then of course you’d be better prepared. So monitor the situation. Forecasts change from time to time so just keep abreast of what’s happening. Again NEMO is monitoring along with us and if the need be there will be a declaration of hurricane watch or warning but we’re not there yet.”

Gordon advised that while modules are a guidance, they are not perfect. The system has not become organized yet, however if there are any changes, the National Meteorological Service of Belize and NEMO will keep the public informed.