Ideam warns of increased rainfall and landslide risk for the weekend in several regions of the country: this is the forecast

The Institute of Hydrology, Meteorology and Environmental Studies (Ideam) issued a warning this Friday, November 7, regarding a progressive increase in rainfall across several regions of the country over the weekend. According to Special Bulletin No. 95, Saturday, November 8, and Sunday, November 9, will be marked by high cloud cover and rainfall of varying intensity, with particular attention to the departments in the Andean, Pacific, Orinoquia, and Amazon regions.

The report, addressed to the National Disaster Risk Management System (SNGRD) and the National Environmental System (SINA), indicates that the increase in humidity towards the end of the weekend could generate significant volumes of rain, accompanied in some cases by thunderstorms and strong winds.

During the afternoon and evening of Friday, November 7, increased humidity is expected in the western and northern parts of the country. The heaviest rainfall is expected in areas of Chocó, Cesar, Cauca, Valle del Cauca, and Santander, while lighter rainfall is forecast for Boyacá, Cundinamarca, Caldas, Quindío, Risaralda, Tolima, and Vichada.

Isolated showers are also possible in the departments of Atlántico, Magdalena, Bolívar, Córdoba, and Sucre. In contrast, the Orinoquía and Amazon regions will experience a decrease in rainfall, with a trend toward dry weather. In the archipelago of San Andrés, Providencia, and Santa Catalina, the Ideam forecasts cloudiness and possible showers with electrical activity, especially in the northern and eastern maritime zones.

By Saturday, November 8, moderate rains will prevail in the Andean, Pacific, and northern Orinoquia regions. The departments most likely to be affected are Chocó, Cauca, Nariño, Casanare, Arauca, Vichada, Norte de Santander, Cundinamarca, Boyacá, and Bolívar, where heavy rainfall is expected.

In Antioquia, Santander, Caldas, Risaralda, Quindío, Valle del Cauca, and Córdoba, rainfall will be less intense, while in the Amazon and the eastern Caribbean, dry conditions or occasional light showers will prevail. The San Andrés archipelago will continue to experience intermittent rain and thunderstorms at various times throughout the day.

On Sunday, November 9, the Ideam (Institute of Hydrology, Meteorology and Environmental Studies) forecasts a significant increase in humidity across the country, which could intensify rainfall in the Andean, Pacific, Orinoquia, and Amazon regions. The departments most affected by the precipitation will be Bolívar, Sucre, Antioquia, Chocó, Valle del Cauca, Cauca, Meta, Caquetá, Guaviare, Vaupés, Santander, Boyacá, Cundinamarca, Caldas, Risaralda, Quindío, and Vichada.

In Guainía, Amazonas, Casanare, Nariño, Córdoba, Cesar, Atlántico, and Magdalena, rainfall will be less intense. The Ideam also warns that a high probability of thunderstorms and heavy rainfall will persist in the San Andrés archipelago.

In the case of Bogotá, the forecast indicates skies between light and partly cloudy for the three days, with light rain mainly in the afternoon and temperatures ranging between 8 °C and 21 °C.

Given the expected weather conditions, the Ideam (Institute of Hydrology, Meteorology and Environmental Studies) issued a series of recommendations for the community and local authorities. In areas with steep slopes and departments under red alert for landslides, it is advised to be attentive to road conditions, travel preferably during the day, and identify areas prone to landslides. It is also recommended to report any landslides to the appropriate authorities and avoid traveling on unstable terrain.

The Institute also suggests monitoring real-time weather conditions through interactive tools such as VI@JERO SEGURO, the number #767, the account X @numeral767 and the Invías website, where updated information on the condition of the country's road corridors is published.

Regarding thunderstorms and strong winds, the Ideam recommends seeking safe shelter, avoiding open areas, under trees or metal structures, and suspending outdoor sports activities during storms. It also advises checking and securing roofs, cleaning gutters and drains, and reinforcing structures exposed to strong gusts.

Finally, the statement also includes preventative recommendations regarding wildfires, especially in forest reserves and natural parks. Tourists and hikers are reminded to properly extinguish campfires, not to leave flammable materials, and to report any signs of fire. The Ideam urges environmental authorities and fire departments to maintain active prevention and response plans, as well as the necessary equipment to respond promptly to any eventuality.

Environment and Health Journalist