Flood Threat Looms: Hydromet Issues Fresh Warning Amid Intensifying Rains

𝙏𝙝𝙚 592 𝙂𝙪𝙖𝙧𝙙𝙞𝙖𝙣

THE Hydrometeorological Service of Guyana (Hydromet) has issued a fresh flood risk advisory, warning that unstable weather conditions, including heavy rainfall and thunderstorms, will persist across the country through the weekend, with elevated flood risks expected to continue until Sunday, May 24, 2026.

In Special Information Bulletin #5, released on Tuesday, Hydromet indicated that all regions are likely to experience significant rainfall as Tropical Wave #4 continues to influence the area before exiting on May 20.

According to the agency, the Inter-Tropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ) is projected to reorganise over Guyana shortly thereafter, leading to another surge in rainfall activity by Saturday and Sunday.
“The latest forecast model outputs indicate that all regions are likely to be impacted by significant rainfall until May 20, 2026,” the bulletin stated.
Hydromet noted that while a brief reduction in rainfall is expected on May 21 and 22, weather conditions are forecast to deteriorate again heading into the weekend.

“With the exception of May 21 and 22, 2026, the risk of flooding, particularly in low-lying and poorly drained areas, remains high until May 24, 2026,” the agency warned.
Rainfall accumulations between 20 mm and 50 mm are anticipated within a 12-hour period through Wednesday, while heavier rainfall ranging from 25 mm to 75 mm over a 24-hour period is expected on Saturday and Sunday.

Residents are being urged to prepare for widespread rainfall, thunderstorms, strong winds, elevated water levels, saturated soils, and reduced visibility during periods of intense showers.
Hydromet cautioned that these conditions may result in localised flooding, hazardous driving due to water accumulation on roadways, disruptions to outdoor activities, and potential damage to infrastructure.

Additionally, thunderstorms may bring lightning, gusty winds, and the possibility of uprooted trees, while some areas could face an increased risk of mudslides.
Providing further meteorological insight, the agency noted that a tropical wave along 60W near the Windward Islands remains nearly stationary, contributing to enhanced convection across the region.

“A tropical wave along 60W is approaching the Windward Islands south of 16N, and is almost stationary,” the bulletin stated, adding that atmospheric conditions are expected to briefly weaken on May 21 and 22 before strengthening again.

The National Weather Watch Centre has indicated that it will continue to closely monitor the system and issue additional updates as conditions evolve.