The Ideam issued the weather forecast for the weekend in which heavy rains accompanied by thunderstorms and strong winds were expected in 18 regions of the country.
The most intense rainfall is expected to occur as a result of the passing of tropical wave number 28, as reported by the Institute of Hydrology, Meteorology and Environmental Studies (Ideam).
For Saturday, August 10, cloudy and rainy conditions are expected, especially in the Caribbean, Andean and Pacific regions. Storms and strong winds are possible. The regions in which the water will have the greatest impact are Antioquia, Cesar, Córdoba, Cundinamarca, Choco, Valle del Cauca, Cauca and Nariño.
For Sunday, August 11, the institute predicts similar conditions, with clouds and rain in much of the country. Electrical discharges are expected mainly in the evening and night, especially affecting the Caribbean, Andean and Pacific regions.
In the capital of the Republic, dry weather is expected in the mornings, with light rain possible in the afternoon, especially on the mountains east and west of the city. Likewise, thunderstorms represent an additional risk in several areas; For this reason, Ideam recommends preventive measures against the probability of electric shocks.
Among the general recommendations, Ideam invites the public to take shelter in safe places so that they do not stay in open areas, under trees or tall metal structures during a storm.
Likewise, it also recommends avoiding outdoor sports activities under these conditions and inspecting and securing roofs and elevated structures to prevent falls due to strong winds.
At the same time, in the islands of San Andrés y Providencia and Santa Catalina there will be rain throughout the day, so the entity recommends to be careful against electrical storms.
Among the other regions that will face rain during this period are Amazonas, Arauca, Boyacá, Magdalena, Norte de Santander, Santander, Sucre, Meta and Vaupés. In particular, in Arauca and Meta expect less cloud with possible drizzle, while Vaupés and Amazonas expect rain in the afternoon or night.
The Ideam highlights the importance of cleaning roofs, lower channels and drains to avoid obstructions and flooding.
The second weekend of August promises to be wet in many parts of the country, with heavy rain and thunderstorms in 18 regions. The population must prepare and take protective measures to avoid incidents due to the expected bad weather.
La Niña is expected for the period between September and November 2024, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (Noaa) of the United States. This means a change in the original forecasts and will affect both Colombia and the rest of the world.
There were several droughts and high temperatures in Colombia due to the El Niño phenomenon in the first half of the year. However, the Institute of Hydrology, Meteorology and Environmental Studies (Ideam) predicted a second wet season, made worse by the arrival of tropical cyclones that left the path of Hurricane Beryl and could continue into mid of December.
Noaa and Ideam predict a La Niña phenomenon with a probability of 66%, which is expected to start in the September-November quarter and with a probability of 74% that it will extend until January 2025. The this climate phenomenon a significant increase in rains and cyclonic activity , especially in the Caribbean, Andean and Pacific regions of Colombia, causing “too much rain” according to Ideam.
The factors that change these forecasts are both oceanic and climatic. Noaa saw a slower-than-expected cooling in ocean surface temperatures, although subsurface conditions and anomalous easterly winds continue to support the formation of La Niña.
In an interview with Red + Noticias, Andrea Devis-Morales, doctor in Oceanography and professor at the Universidad del Rosario, explained that the variability in the forecasts is due to unprecedented climatic conditions, indicating that each year is warmer both in terms of atmosphere and ocean. This variability makes the probability of a La Niña event not entirely reliable.
Zeke Hausfather, a research scientist at Berkeley Earth, said 2024 is very likely to surpass 2023 as the warmest year since global temperature records began in the mid-19th century, which could further impact climate dynamics and climate change.
Ideam said that the second rainy season and the tropical cyclone season, which will officially end on November 30, will be strengthened by the arrival of La Niña, which is now expected for the September-November quarter.
Finally, although there is progress in the study and prediction of phenomena such as La Niña and El Niño, the complex interaction between oceanic, atmospheric and climate factors remains a major challenge for meteorologists and scientists , and forecasts need constant monitoring and updating. By Infobae
