Persistent morning rain and moderate to very heavy afternoon storms are forecast across Panama on Saturday, October 3, with official weather watches remaining in effect.
The Instituto de Meteorología e Hidrología de Panamá (IMHPA) issued its first forecast update at 1:04 a.m. The report was prepared by forecaster Pilar López.
On the Caribbean slope, light to moderate rain is expected during the morning, with stronger downpours possible in Colón and Guna Yala. Afternoon rainfall could become moderate to very heavy between Guna Yala and the Ngäbe-Buglé region, creating a risk of flash flooding and water accumulation. Bocas del Toro should see lighter, more scattered rain.
Along the Pacific, rain moving inland from the Gulf of Panama could produce significant morning accumulations from Panama province eastward to the Colombian border. Flooding is possible in eastern Panama and the metropolitan region.
Afternoon and evening storms may affect most of the Pacific slope, particularly Darién, Emberá Sambú, Panama City and eastern Panama, Panamá Oeste, Coclé, Veraguas and Chiriquí. IMHPA warns of possible river and stream overflows, landslides and flooding. Soil saturation is already high in parts of Chiriquí, Coclé, Panamá Oeste and eastern Panama.
Maximum temperatures should range from 27°C to 30°C in lower areas and 19°C to 25°C along the Central Mountain Range. UV levels are forecast to remain low to moderate.
A rain-and-thunderstorm watch remains effective through 11:59 p.m. Saturday. A separate Pacific wind-and-wave watch continues until 6 a.m. Sunday.
Sources: Instituto de Meteorología e Hidrología de Panamá (IMHPA)
