The Institute of Meteorology and Hydrology of Panama (IMHPA) reported that an atmospheric system interacting with the central mountain range is causing a drop in temperatures, strong winds, increased wave activity, and persistent rains in several regions of the country, mainly on the Panamanian Caribbean coast. According to technicians, the rise of wind over the mountain range generates significant precipitation, while its displacement towards the Caribbean intensifies the waves and gusts.
“All this system is coming together and that is why we have issued warnings for both rain and wind and waves, especially in the Caribbean and also towards the Pacific, the center, and the east of the country,” they explained.
The rain warning will be in effect until this morning, while the one related to winds and waves will remain until February 4. However, the IMHPA warned that permanent surveillance is maintained and that bulletins may be updated if conditions persist or intensify.
The most affected areas include the highlands of the Ngäbe Buglé comarca, Bocas del Toro, and the province of Chiriquí, where constant precipitation accompanied by gusts that increase the force of the sea is reported.
Authorities emphasized that the wind is generating “quite high” waves, which poses a risk for small boats, artisanal fishermen, and people who frequent beaches, rivers, and resorts during this period.
In this scenario, the population was advised to take extreme precautions, avoid entering the sea when there is a warning flag, secure light objects that could be displaced by the wind, and stay attentive to the official communications of the National System for Civil Protection (Sinaproc) and the IMHPA.
“Monitoring is constant and, if necessary, warnings will be updated as the atmospheric systems evolve,” the institute pointed out.
