Panama City will host its annual patriotic today on Monday, November 3, commemorating the nation’s separation from Colombia. The festivities coincide with a nationwide weather advisory for unstable atmospheric conditions, including widespread rain and potential electrical storms. More than 85 delegations from schools, independent bands, and security forces are scheduled to participate in the celebrations.
The Institute of Meteorology and Hydrology of Panama (IMHPA) issued the advisory, warning citizens of significant weather disruptions throughout the country. The forecast calls for mostly cloudy skies and precipitation across most regions, with the potential for isolated heavy showers and electrical activity from the afternoon into the night. These conditions are expected to persist during the parade hours.
“The country will present unstable atmospheric conditions due to the development and strengthening of the Intertropical Convergence Zone, the variation in wind flows, and the presence of low-pressure systems in both the Pacific and the Caribbean Sea,” stated an IMHPA bulletin. [Translated from Spanish]
Authorities are urging parade participants and spectators to take necessary precautions. The weather system is being driven by the incursion of Tropical Wave number 37, located near Jamaica and moving west at 27 km/h. This system intensifies the existing unstable conditions forecast for the holiday period.
Parade Routes and Schedules for National Holidays
Two main routes will be active for the November 3 celebrations. The first parade route begins at 3rd Street (Simon Bolivar Park) and continues to 26th Street on Avenida Balboa. Organizers expect over 40 delegations on this path, featuring educational centers, independent bands, and three branches of the security forces.
A second procession will travel from the intersection near the Carmen Church to the Caja de Ahorros on Via España. This route will feature more than 45 participating delegations. The parades are a key part of the national holidays marking the Separation of Panama from Colombia in 1903. The November 3 parade is scheduled to start at 9:00 a.m., while a separate parade on November 4 will begin at 8:00 a.m.
Detailed National Weather Impacts and Forecast
The IMHPA provided a detailed breakdown of expected weather patterns. On the Caribbean slope, rains will be more frequent during the morning in the north of Veraguas, the Ngäbe-Buglé region, and Bocas del Toro. Isolated downpours with light to moderate electrical activity are forecast for the afternoon and evening in sectors of Ngäbe-Buglé, Guna Yala, Colon, northern Veraguas, and Bocas del Toro.
On the Pacific side, rainfall will concentrate in the morning over Darien, Panama East, and the Gulf of Panama, with possible electrical discharges. Precipitation is also expected over the southeast of Azuero, southern Veraguas, and the mountain ranges of Coclé. The Ministry of Education has already urged caution in hard-to-reach areas of Bocas del Toro due to the adverse weather.
“We recommend that the population stay informed and take the necessary precautions in the face of rains and possible electrical storms, especially in the afternoon and night hours, when atmospheric instability will be more pronounced,” the IMHPA bulletin continued. [Translated from Spanish]
For the afternoon and evening, unstable conditions will continue with isolated showers and thunderstorms in Panama North, Center, West, and East, as well as in Coclé, Darién, Azuero, Veraguas, Chiriquí, and the Ngäbe-Buglé region. The forecast indicates minimum temperatures will range between 14°C and 25°C, while maximum temperatures will reach values of 27°C to 31°C.
Maritime Conditions and Public Safety Recommendations
Maritime conditions are forecast to be generally favorable, though the public should remain cautious. Waves of up to 1.21 meters are expected in the Caribbean and 1.51 meters in the Pacific. These conditions are currently deemed suitable for navigation and maritime activities, but the IMHPA warns of possible changes associated with the evolving atmospheric systems.
The weather institute also highlighted that ultraviolet radiation indices will remain between moderate and high during the morning and afternoon across the entire national territory. They strongly recommend the use of adequate sun protection and avoiding prolonged exposure to the sun, even on cloudy days. This is particularly relevant for parade attendees who will be outdoors for extended periods.
Wind patterns will vary across the country. On the Caribbean slope, winds will be from the west in the morning with speeds between 10 and 15 km/h, shifting to the northwest in the afternoon and night. In the Pacific, winds will blow from the west-northwest at 15-20 km/h during the morning, varying to a northern direction with 5-10 km/h toward the night.
The combination of parade festivities and significant weather activity presents a unique challenge for Panama City. The historic Casco Antiguo district, a focal point for national celebrations, will need to balance public safety with the commemoration of a pivotal moment in the nation’s history. The weather instability, driven by the Intertropical Convergence Zone, underscores the dynamic environmental factors that often influence Panamanian public events.
As the nation prepares to honor its history, the focus for many will be split between celebration and weather preparedness. The coordinated efforts of meteorological authorities and event organizers aim to ensure that the patriotic spirit prevails despite the forecasted atmospheric challenges. Citizens are advised to monitor official channels for any last-minute updates regarding parade logistics and weather developments.