By Belize Live News Staff: Hurricane Beryl, a Category 2 hurricane, made landfall over the Northern Yucatan Peninsula earlier today. While the storm’s center is no longer directly over Belize, the National Meteorological Service (NMS) warns that the country can still expect to experience the effects of Beryl in the form of moist and unstable weather conditions.
The 24-hour forecast for Belize predicts a mix of sunny and cloudy spells, with isolated showers and thunderstorms expected throughout the day. These showers are more likely to develop over inland areas during the afternoon and may affect the coast during the night.
Mariners are advised to exercise caution as winds are expected to shift from west-southwest to east-southeast, with speeds ranging from 5 to 25 knots. The sea state will transition from moderate-rough to choppy, with waves subsiding from 6-8 feet to 3-5 feet.
The NMS has issued an Excessive Rainfall Watch for the entire country due to the potential for heavy rainfall from Hurricane Beryl’s outer feeder bands. Residents are urged to monitor the situation closely and contact the Hydrology Unit for updates on flooding risks.
Additionally, a Small Craft Caution is in effect due to the possibility of gusty winds and rough seas, particularly in heavy showers, thunderstorms, and beyond the barrier reef. Small craft operators are advised to exercise caution.
As of 6:00 AM today, Hurricane Beryl was located approximately 15 miles north-northwest of Tulum, Mexico, moving west-northwest at 15 mph with maximum sustained winds of 100 mph. The NMS continues to monitor the storm’s progress closely and anticipates similar weather conditions to persist throughout Saturday and Saturday night.
Residents are encouraged to stay informed about the latest weather updates and advisories from the NMS and to take necessary precautions to ensure their safety during this period of unsettled weather.
