#weather in Belize

[newsbites]

News from Belize

The Christian Workers Union and the Port of Belize are back at the negotiating table to discuss the CWU's "one gang, one ship" demand for sugar ship systems.

2. Self-proclaimed activist and businessman, Yhony Rosado, says he is taking the government to court after his name was allegedly slandered by the Commissioner of Police over his ownership of a VW Atlas. The police claim the vehicle is stolen. Rosado says the car was sold to him, after being driven down from the US, with all the necessary and proper paperwork.

3. Rural communities are struggling with water supply, from Toledo to the North to the West.

4. The Ministry of Health and Wellness has honoured nurses for their service

[amnhnyc]

Is this amphibian a visitor from outer space? 🛸 Nope… it’s the Yucatan casque-headed tree frog (Triprion petasatus), a species that can be found in parts of Mexico, Belize, and Guatemala. How does it put its head to use? When the weather is dry, this frog has been observed nestling into tree holes. It plugs the opening with its hard head, using it as a barrier against the outside world. This is thought to help the frog retain extra moisture in its skin!

Photo: marcoalp, CC BY-NC 4.0, iNaturalist

[nanistar]

SERPENTINE PROMISE | Hidden in Plain Sight.

Serpentine Promise is a 16+ literate Horror / Slasher Warriors RP set on the coast of Belize in the heart of a meteor crater called the Cardinal. This RP takes heavy inspiration from the beautiful indigenous Mayan cultures of Belize for its worldbuilding.

You are part of three groups known as Arrows. You live in relative peace, guided by your Celestial Leaders in the skies above - the Jade Tiger, the Red Tiger, and the Gold Tiger. Centuries prior, these three leaders created the Arrows, but in doing so created something worse. The North Serpent wanted the crater for itself, and would only be satisfied when it ate the sun. The three tigers fought together against the serpent to the death.

In modern times, these Celestial Leaders are growing increasingly distraught, until they disappear one night and leave you with nothing but an omen … Cats around you begin to drop dead soon after. Your objective? Survive. Keep one eye open. Figure out which one of you is slaughtering cats by the dozen, or die trying.

𓆙 ━─┈

🌊THE EAST WAVES Living on the sandy coasts of the Cardinal, the cats of the East Waves are weathered, brave, regal, and know their way around the barrier reef, and the raging seas. 🌴THE SOUTH RAINS Nestled in the dense, lush rainforest of the crater, the cats of the South Rains are intelligent, agile, gifted and flighty. They know how to traverse the land without ever placing a paw on the dangerous jungle floor.

⛰️THE WEST PEAKS Settled in the mountains along the edge of the crater, living within caverns and along cliff faces, cats in the West Peaks are hardy, strong, tough and independent, battling the biggest threats of all — Harpy eagles, amongst other dangerous raptors. 𓆙 ━─┈ WHAT WE OFFER🐍

A safe, secure environment for all with safety nets in place for any incident that would otherwise occur in a large space.

A server open to writers of any experience.

An extremely large expanse of lore and world-building including a glossary of brand new terms, in-depth lore and history inspired by Mayan cultures, unique ranks and roles to each Arrow, and an entirely new herb and medicine system created entirely for the RP, amongst a dozen other additions!

A server run by BIPOC and LGBT+ moderators, including a Belizean admin and consultant.

High Ranks and Roles open for application for writers of any experience and skill level!

RP affiliation / partnership — advertise your RP server in ours!

EXPLORE THE WORLD & APPLY NOW! >> https://serpentinepromise.carrd.co/ << =

(please note that i, nanistar, am NOT the host of this RP. i am merely a moderator and the tumblr liaison. i can answer some basic questions, but for anything more in-depth else please contact BADMIRACLE on tumblr. he is an amazing rp host and has spent months bringing this together and developing this rp.)

[bigskydreaming]

Like yes merpeople but ALSO what about merpeople who are specifically half-shark, or the underwater equivalent of giants, half-human/half-whale? We've got the occasional half-human/half-octopus but also yes to half human jellyfish and half human manta rays and not naiads specifically so much as the underwater equivalent of dryads, having the same connection to coral gardens and reefs that dryads do to trees and forests.

Gimme underwater lamias who are actually more accurately half human/half electric eel, with all the associated zapping ability, that lends them insight into electricity and related phenomena they use to build high-tech wonderlands deep beneath the waves.....and far from any shore, underwater travelers fear crossing paths with 'ghosts' which are actually like a supernatural form of jellyfish who wrap their translucent selves around their victims to "possess them."

I want selkies who don't just come ashore to have angsty love affairs with beguiling humans, but who also live in communities deep in arctic regions far away from any human civilization where they carve entire villages and cities into the undersides of icebergs.

Underwater vampiric creatures, maybe lamprey or shark themed, who specifically drink blood for the oxygen in it, as that's what enables them to go 'top side' for awhile before having to retreat back to the depths they're more naturally adapted to live in. Krakens but also a Fae-like version of angler fish who use their lights as an undersea version of will'o'wisps, leading denizens of the deep astray.

Multiple types of undersea shapeshifters, going to and from the surface and the deep, with entirely different branches of the same shapeshifter family trees.....the dolphin shapeshifters of the Mediterranean being descendants of the sailors cursed by Dionysus and having very little in common with the encantado who live in the waters of South America, but often lumped in with each other and sharing similar issues and interactions with other civilizations due to the fact that so many others just assume all dolphin shapeshifters are connected or alike even though they have completely different natures, parameters for their shapeshifting, and an entire spectrum of supernatural abilities with very little actual overlap between the different 'types.'

Not just one god of the sea, but multiple gods of the deep, all associated with their own regions, from Poseidon to Sedna to Tangaroa to Manannán mac Lir and Kimbazi. The deep sea equivalent of druids, cultivating kelp forests and coral groves and gardens warmed and nourished by the undersea volcanoes they're planted in the shadows of. Sorcerers as fixated on trying to control and harness and direct the power and positioning of underwater currents as above-the-sea counterparts are with trying to control the weather.

Narwhales often mistaken for the unicorns of the deep, but only because there actually ARE an undersea version of unicorns for them to get mixed up WITH. Protective amulets and talismans and charms made of sea shells, alchemical potions mixed from octopus ink and kraken blood and marine sinkholes like the Great Blue Hole off the coast of Belize being the undersea equivalent of fairy rings, serving as entrances to a subaquatic Otherworld or Underworld.

The rivers of various pantheons' Underworlds having exit points at multiple places around the world, so there are entire regions considered haunted or places of wild magic because they're where the waters of the Styx or Acheron slip out and get mixed into the ocean, altering the properties of the water in those regions in strange and unpredictable ways.

Deep sea mages using and manipulating pressure in ways there's no above-water equivalent for because on land its not really a natural phenomenon of note or a force of nature all its own, not in the same ways it would be for those who live their entire lives and build cities at depths where the water around them has a weight and power that the air just does not possess for those who do the same at sea level.

A spectrum of sirens, different types and different cultures all with their own unique distinctions....as much as some are associated with seduction, there are other clans with reputations as scavengers, known for sending hunting parties to the surface where they sing down storms to scuttle ships and drag them and their contents down to the depths.

An entire world where there's always a lower depth, a darker chasm, a further mystery just below.....the deepest abysses an uncharted badlands populated by eldritch creatures older than anything else in the world, a pitch dark landscape dotted with the ruins of empires so old nobody remembers they ever existed, let alone what they were called.

Idk, idk, I just think there's so much more to be mined from the sheer wealth of sea creatures and concepts and phenomena and traditional mermaids and selkies and sirens, cool as they are, are really just the tip of the iceberg. And we have gotten a couple cool glimpses of undersea civilizations and how wild and colorful they can be in the last decade or so in cinema, but again....tip of the iceberg. There's soooooo much more that can be done, I'm just like. *vibrates in place wanting it all*

[atlantichurricanes]

Atlantic Tropical Weather Outlook issued by the National Hurricane Center in Miami, FL, USA

2024-10-18, 08:00 EDT

North of Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands (AL94): A trough of low pressure is producing disorganized showers and thunderstorms extending a couple hundred miles north of Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. Development, if any, of this disturbance should be slow to occur while it moves quickly westward to west-northwestward at around 20 mph, continuing north of Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands today, then near Hispaniola and the southeastern Bahamas this weekend. Further development is not expected due to strong upper-level winds by early next week.

* Formation chance through 48 hours...low...10 percent.

* Formation chance through 7 days...low...10 percent.

Western Caribbean Sea (AL95): Widespread showers and thunderstorms continue across the northwestern Caribbean Sea in association with a broad area of low pressure that is gradually becoming better defined to the north of eastern Honduras. Environmental conditions appear conducive for some additional development over the next day or so, and a short-lived tropical depression or storm could form before the system moves inland over Belize and the Yucatan Peninsula of Mexico on Saturday. Regardless of development, locally heavy rainfall is likely across portions of Central America and southern Mexico through the weekend.

* Formation chance through 48 hours...medium...50 percent.

* Formation chance through 7 days...medium...50 percent.

$$ Forecaster Hogsett/Cangialosi

[alatmosphericcenter]

ZCZC MIATWOAT ALL

TTAA00 KNHC DDHHMM

Tropical Weather Outlook

NWS National Hurricane Center Miami FL

200 PM EDT Thu Sep 5 2024

For the North Atlantic...Caribbean Sea and the Gulf of Mexico:

1. Northwest Gulf of Mexico:

A large area of showers and thunderstorms continue in association

with a broad area of low pressure interacting with a weak frontal

boundary located over the northwestern Gulf of Mexico. Upper-level

winds are expected to become less conducive for development by late

Friday and Saturday as another frontal boundary approaches the

system. Although development is unlikely, heavy rainfall is

expected across portions of the northern Gulf Coast during the next

day or so. Additional information on this system can be found in

products issued by your local National Weather Service Forecast

Office.

* Formation chance through 48 hours...low...10 percent.

* Formation chance through 7 days...low...10 percent.

2. Northwestern Atlantic (AL99):

Showers and thunderstorms have become better organized in

association with a non-tropical area of low pressure located a few

hundred miles east of North Carolina, and recent satellite data

indicates the system is producing winds to near gale-force. This

system could acquire some tropical or subtropical characteristics

over the next day or two while it moves generally

north-northeastward, remaining offshore of the northeastern United

States. Once the low moves over cooler waters by early Saturday,

further development is not expected. Additional information on this

system, including gale warnings, can be found in High Seas Forecasts

issued by the National Weather Service.

* Formation chance through 48 hours...low...30 percent.

* Formation chance through 7 days...low...30 percent.

3. Eastern Tropical Atlantic:

An elongated trough of low pressure over the eastern tropical

Atlantic is producing limited shower activity. Development is not

expected through this weekend while the system moves little. Some

slow development appears possible early next week when the

disturbance begins moving slowly northwestward.

* Formation chance through 48 hours...low...near 0 percent.

* Formation chance through 7 days...low...20 percent.

4. Northwestern Caribbean Sea and Southwestern Gulf of Mexico:

Shower and thunderstorm activity remains disorganized in

association with a westward-moving tropical wave located over the

western Caribbean Sea. Development is not expected before the

system reaches Belize and the Yucatan Peninsula by early Friday.

Some gradual development is possible late in the weekend into early

next week after the system emerges over the southwestern Gulf of

Mexico.

* Formation chance through 48 hours...low...near 0 percent.

* Formation chance through 7 days...low...20 percent.

5. Central Tropical Atlantic:

Another tropical wave located a few hundred miles east of the

Leeward Islands is producing limited shower and thunderstorm

activity. Strong upper-level winds are expected to inhibit

development of this system during the next few days while it moves

west-northwestward at 10 to 15 mph. By early next week,

environmental conditions could become more conducive for some slow

development while the system moves over the southwestern Atlantic

Ocean.

* Formation chance through 48 hours...low...near 0 percent.

* Formation chance through 7 days...low...10 percent.

High Seas Forecasts are issued by the National Weather Service

under AWIPS header NFDHSFAT1 and WMO header FZNT01 KWBC, and online

at ocean.weather.gov/shtml/NFDHSFAT1.php

Forecaster Hagen/Delgado

[spayki]

Beautiful Herd of Horses Running Free!            The icy Yukon Highlands, the verdant forests of Belize, the snow-capped peaks of the Rocky Mountains, and the barren deserts of the American Southwest are regions where the brutal law of natural selection is at work. The hostile weather and extremely difficult terrain mean that only the strongest and smartest creatures will survive in these places in the world

[rhys-ravenfeather]

Anyway, a little more on climate change, from the perspective of someone who spent most of her life outside the United States.

I mentioned in another post that I grew up in the tropics, and spent most of my life absolutely HATING it, and wishing that I was living in the states. My brother is the opposite of me in that regard...he's always been happy in Belize and has no plans of leaving.

As such, whenever I complain about the weather when we chat on Skype, he says, kind of smugly, 'Well, you're the one who wanted four seasons!'

Yes. Yes I did.

I did want four seasons, my whole life in the tropics, and that hasn't changed.

I did, and STILL want, four seasons, not just the monotonous 'wet' and 'dry' I had in Belize.

But now that I'm finally living in a place where I can have four seasons, (as in, living living, not just going to school), climate change has messed things up so much that I don't even have a FULL four seasons anymore. At least, not in the way I would have liked.

I didn't have a snowy Christmas this last holiday season, like I would have wanted.

A couple of weeks after December we're FINALLY getting snow, but the temperature is so low now that I've been having to get rides to and from work because it's negative celsius out, and it is legitimately DANGEROUS to be outside for more than a few minutes.

So yes. I want four seasons.

I just wish that the climate hadn't messed things up, so I could actually ENJOY it.

[healthymarc]

February recap: started the month off hot by running and walking everyday while on vacation in Belize 😎. After that I fell off the map with cardio and switched to kettlebell flows 2-3x’s a week. I’m ready for warm weather runs on the east coast 😩, call it an indoor riding and running slump that I’ll soon shake. I’m still getting my steps it so that counts right? On a positive note, my doctor’s checkup went well and all my levels were good.

[spellucci]

Indiana Wants Me

Tuesday, October 10, 2023

We are big thinkers, we are. Continental scale, even.

We are headed across the continent to see an annular eclipse that, depending on the weather, may or may not be visible at our target destination, Piñon Mesa in Farmington, New Mexico.

An annular eclipse is when the disc of the moon blocks most, but not all of the Sun. The result is a "ring of fire."

When the left edge of the moon touches the left edge of the sun (or right touches right) it is possible to see Bailey's Beads. This is when the sun just barely shines between mountains on the moon, resulting in a sparkling effect sometimes called the "diamond ring."

The path of the eclipse goes from Oregon through Nevada, Utah, New Mexico, and Texas. And then almost straight down Central America before curving East across South America from Columbia through Brazil. Jeanne’s brother might see it in Belize. Thank you for coming to my TED talk.

We don't have the option to drive to Belize on this trip, so it's gonna hafta be either New Mexico or Texas, depending on the weather. We find a 7-day cloud cover forecast website (https://weatherstreet.com/states/u-s-cloud-cover-forecast.htm). Tim mutters about how imprecise the cloud cover forecast is for someplace half a continent away and six days hence. Actually, the Internet is a pretty impressive place to even have such information. We agree to keep an eye on it as we drive West, and not to decide until we get to Tim's nephew's house outside of Kansas City on Wednesday.

A note about I-70 through Indiana: it sucks. Ohio and Illinois have well-maintained roads. But in between, we entered Indiana with a bump, and the road surface stayed poor the whole way across the state. Jeanne had been leading a conference call. Her mouse started bouncing so badly she had to hand off the lead, and focus on the horizon to keep from getting carsick. And the horizon was filled with ugly billboards. Indiana, whatever you're selling, we ain't buying.

We stop for the night at an RV parking area for the Cumberland Covered bridge. It’s a long wooden covered bridge built in 2001. It won awards, but we have no idea why someone would build a covered bridge outside of New England tourist towns.

After dinner, we sit outside in the warm sun. A freight train thunders by barely visible through the trees. It’s unintentional, but there seems to be a theme developing about historic canals, historic roads and covered bridges, and the persistence of America’s freight train traffic.

[cxldblxxded]

k's timeline

( since he's been alive a reasonably long time )

1774 - k hatches with his sisters. life is good.

1798 - k is 24, merely a child by draconic standards. spain loses its control over belize's territory, with britain taking over as the major colonial power. they get lucky on the way out, finding k's colony, which they had been trying to locate for years. what follows is the massacre of, as far as k knows, every dragon he knows and loves. in a panic, he teleports for the first time, ending up in barcelona, spain in a cruel twist of fate. he hasn't seen another dragon since.

1812 - k is now 38, still a child. he wanders the streets of barcelona as an orphan, finding camaraderie with other youth he meets. they teach him spanish and accept him, although adults find him strange and think there's something deeply wrong with him. before they can do anything about it, barcelona is annexed by napoleonic france, and he teleports again, this time to hong kong.

1841 - k is now 67, and yes, still a child. he can't figure out how to change his hair color, which draws more attention than he would like it to. britain occupies hong kong and he shapechanges into a tiger shortly after, keeping his distance from human settlements and the violence that comes with them. he becomes something of a local myth as a golden tiger, and ironically attracts more attention to himself than if he had stayed a human.

1893 - k is now 119, almost the equivalent of a teenager. he's trapped by a british hunter, and teleports again in a panic. seemingly unable to escape british colonial forces, he winds up in melbourne, australia, and gives being a human a shot again. he picks up odd jobs here and there, moving whenever he inevitably gets fired. he garners little sympathy as an outsider, and, disillusioned with the mundane nature of human life and stationary living, teleports again after about 30 years, this time on purpose. k lives in a plane adjacent to the human realm (the prime) for the next 53 years. compared to the prime, it is peaceful, but during his explorations he discovers there are no other dragons (which devastates him, as he had hoped he would find others of his kind).

1946 - dejected and homesick, he returns from the plane, now 172. there's a lot of catching up to do, since apparently he missed two entire world wars while he was away. he takes up residence in guadalajara, mexico, soon finding work in the city's first industrial park and taking some classes at the university of guadalajara, which he enjoys, although he never graduates. these university records are the only records that exist of k outside of folktales. guadalajara is also the geographically closest to belize he ever gets. for a short period of time he is content, but nothing good can last, and he is forced to move after realizing he hasn't been aging by human standards for the past 15 years. he wanders north until the late 60s and eventually teleports somewhere completely different when he hits the rio grande.

1974 - k is now 200 years old and is more or less a young adult. after wandering around the soviet union for a while, he meets a girl on the outskirts of moscow. she finds his oddities attractive and they romance each other for two years. k reveals his draconic nature to her and, unable to accept this, she betrays him to the police. he fights back and suffers multiple gunshot wounds; he breathes fire and incinerates her house and everyone in it. severely wounded, he teleports randomly again to mount denali in alaska, and mourns.

1979 - after taking several years to fully recover, k wanders his way down the west coast to warmer weather in los angeles, california.

he's been roaming the us since then, barely staying in one location for more than a few years at a time. he's due for another teleport any day now, but frankly, he's a bit scared at where he might end up.

[astenback]

For Earth Day this year, we embarked on an exciting adventure to explore the ancient Mayan ruins of Caracol. It's been quite a journey getting here, both literally and figuratively. Our first attempt in 2018 was foiled by a sudden rainstorm that washed out the roads right before our eyes. But this year, luck was on our side as the weather cooperated and we braved the 25+ mile rocky, winding road south from the town of Santa Elena. Located within the Cayo District of Belize, Caracol is an awe-inspiring testament to the rich history and advanced civilization of the Maya people. Covering a massive area of approximately 200 square kilometers, it's even larger than present-day Belize City. The name Caracol comes from the Spanish word for snail or shell, possibly inspired by the winding access road that leads to this remarkable site. One of the highlights of Caracol is the majestic Caana, which means Sky Palace in Maya. This towering pyramid rises over 140 feet (43 meters) above the surrounding jungle canopy, making it one of the tallest man-made structures in Belize. Climbing Caana offers breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding landscape, including the nearby Maya Mountains and the distant peaks of Guatemala. Happy Belated Earth Day! #Caracol #Caana #MayaCivilization #AncientWonders #EarthDay #BelizeAdventures #Sky #Green #Staircase #Stairs #Tranquility #Growth #ArchaeologicalSite (at Caracol Archaeological Reserve, Belize) https://www.instagram.com/p/Crce4JcqaEN/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[jinruihokankeikaku]

incredibly stupid controversy. People these days are so eager to dismiss as "clickbait" and "alarmism" any forecast that weighs the upper end of model guidance more heavily than the NHC does, despite the fact that storms rapidly intensified on approach to land six times in 2024 - Beryl in Grenada, Debby and Helene in Florida, Francine in Louisiana, and Oscar and Rafael in Cuba. Milton, of course, also underwent nearly unprecedented rapid intensification, which contributed to its extremely costly impacts despite weakening prior to landfall.

Is AccuWeather generally a low-quality forecasting agency? Yeah. Their forecasts often fail to verify and they could reasonably be accused of alarmist language in their public communications. But it's absurdly sanctimonious to call any warning of Sara's potential to intensify and track towards the Yucatan Channel "reckless and irresponsible". Model guidance at the time suggested that that was a serious possibility. Publishing the exact same graphic with a caveat that forecast uncertainty beyond seven days is high would have been harmless - and in fact, I'd say it would have been more responsible than the NHC's excessively conservative approach, best exemplified by their failure not only to foreccast Oscar's rapid intensification, but to even acknowledge it as it was happening.

Florida and Cuba got lucky this time. God knows that all of those places have seen their share of hurricane impacts for one year, or several. But if we take a moment to look past this silly handwringing over one bad forecast, it's also worth remembering that Panama, Honduras, Nicaragua, and Belize didn't. Many lives were, no doubt, saved thanks to weather forecasting technology and warnings from the NHC. But perhaps more could have been had the NHC not insisted on waiting so long to start issuing those warnings.

[weather-usa]

Tropical Storm Sara downgraded to a depression after causing deadly flooding and mudslides across Central America.

With atmospheric steering currents nearly collapsing, Sara remained stationary, continuously funneling tropical moisture into vulnerable countrysides, where some areas received up to 40 inches of rainfall.

Formerly Tropical Storm Sara, the system continued to weaken and was downgraded to a tropical depression on Sunday afternoon after the deadly late-season storm battered parts of Central America with torrential rain, causing catastrophic flooding and mudslides.

Weather Forecast For 92870 Placentia CA:

https://www.behance.net/gallery/204639635/Weather-Forecast-For-92870-Placentia-CA

With atmospheric steering currents nearly collapsing, Sara remained nearly stationary, streaming a continuous flow of tropical moisture into the vulnerable countryside. According to the National Hurricane Center, the storm's center moved just 10 miles over a 15-hour period between midday Friday and Saturday morning.

The slow-moving storm, combined with the region's steep terrain, has proven to be a destructive force, unleashing feet of rain in a short period. Honduras' emergency management agency reported that one person drowned in Yoro, and over 1,100 homes have been damaged or destroyed across the country. More than 71,000 people have been affected by Sara, with over 2,000 rescues conducted, according to government agencies.

Since Thursday, some areas of Honduras have received more than 40 inches of rain, and the swollen Cangrajal River has washed away part of the Saopin bridge.

Sara officially made its first landfall Thursday evening, but its center of circulation reemerged in the Gulf of Honduras on Saturday before making another landfall in Belize on Sunday.

Climate and Average Weather Year Round in 93065 - Simi Valley CA:

Travel in the region has also been affected, with airports in Roatan and La Ceiba suspending operations. Both American Airlines and United Airlines have offered to waive certain fees for flight changes.

Cruise lines are advising passengers with upcoming itineraries in the area to monitor the forecast closely.

A spokesperson for Carnival Cruise Line told FOX Weather via email, "Carnival’s Fleet Operations Center in Miami is closely monitoring the disturbance in the Caribbean. Guests are encouraged to opt in for text alerts when checking in for upcoming cruises and to keep an eye on their emails."

What's the latest with Tropical Depression Sara?

Sara is currently located about 160 miles south-southeast of Campeche, Mexico, with maximum sustained winds of 35 mph. The storm is moving very slowly and has at times been stationary, leading to heavy rainfall across the region.

What's the forecast for Tropical Depression Sara?

The NHC forecasts that Sara will turn northwestward or north-northwestward, with an increase in forward speed through Sunday night. As it follows this path, the center of the storm will continue moving inland over the Yucatan Peninsula on Sunday, before weakening into a trough by Sunday night or Monday.

Over northern Honduras, an additional 1-3 inches of rain is expected, with total rainfall amounts of up to 40 inches possible. The NHC warned on Sunday that the risk of catastrophic, life-threatening flooding will persist, particularly along and near the Sierra La Esperanza.

See more:

https://weatherus.org/zip-code/weather-50007

https://weatherus.org/zip-code/weather-50008

https://weatherus.org/zip-code/weather-50009

https://weatherus.org/zip-code/weather-50010

https://weatherus.org/zip-code/weather-50011

In Belize, El Salvador, eastern Guatemala, western Nicaragua, and the Mexican state of Quintana Roo, Tropical Storm Sara is expected to bring 3-5 inches of rain, with some areas potentially receiving up to 15 inches.

Sara is anticipated to dissipate as it moves over the Yucatán Peninsula, but its remnants are expected to merge with a cold front entering the Gulf Coast, bringing heavy rainfall to the Interstate 10 corridor and Florida.

[roomchailimited]

Belize’s Barrier Reef Bliss: Diving into Caribbean Adventure

Belize is home to one of the most spectacular underwater ecosystems in the world – the Belize Barrier Reef. Stretching over 180 miles along the country’s coast, this vibrant reef offers an unforgettable experience for divers and snorkelers. As part of the UNESCO World Heritage list, the Belize Barrier Reef is the second-largest in the world, only behind Australia’s Great Barrier Reef. With its crystal-clear waters, colorful corals, and abundant marine life, it’s a paradise waiting to be explored. Here's a guide to diving into this Caribbean treasure, from the top dive sites to the best ways to experience the reef’s wonder.

1. The Great Blue Hole: A Bucket-List Dive

Arguably the most famous dive site in Belize, the Great Blue Hole is a massive, circular sinkhole that plunges over 400 feet deep. Located about 60 miles off the coast of Belize, it’s a dream for divers seeking an extraordinary underwater adventure. The Blue Hole’s clear waters and stunning visibility allow divers to experience an otherworldly environment filled with stalactites, marine life, and the eerie feeling of descending into a massive oceanic chasm. The site is home to nurse sharks, reef sharks, and a variety of tropical fish.

Local Tip: The best way to experience the Blue Hole is with a guided dive trip, as the site is remote and often requires a boat ride. Make sure to check for weather conditions and dive operators with experience in this deep-water location.

2. Hol Chan Marine Reserve: A Hidden Gem for Snorkelers and Divers

Located just off the coast of Ambergris Caye, the Hol Chan Marine Reserve is one of the most popular marine parks in Belize. This protected area is home to a diversity of ecosystems, including coral gardens, seagrass beds, and mangroves. The waters here are teeming with marine life, from vibrant parrotfish and stingrays to sea turtles and nurse sharks. For both beginners and experienced divers, Hol Chan offers a perfect combination of shallow and deep dives, with crystal-clear waters ideal for snorkeling.

Local Tip: The nearby Shark Ray Alley is a must-visit. Here, you can snorkel alongside rays and nurse sharks, making for an unforgettable experience in the heart of Belize’s marine life.

3. Turneffe Atoll: Pristine Waters and Rich Marine Life

Located about 30 miles off the coast of Belize City, Turneffe Atoll is one of the largest and most biologically diverse coral reefs in the Caribbean. Known for its pristine waters, crystal-clear visibility, and abundant marine life, this atoll is a dream for underwater explorers. With a wide range of dive sites, from shallow coral gardens to deeper, more challenging walls, Turneffe offers something for everyone. It’s common to encounter large schools of fish, eagle rays, and the occasional reef shark or manatee.

Local Tip: Turneffe Atoll is ideal for divers looking for quieter, less crowded dive experiences. Stay at one of the resorts on the island for an all-inclusive dive and stay experience.

4. Lighthouse Reef: Diving into Belize’s Remote Beauty

The Lighthouse Reef is a remote atoll located about 50 miles from Belize’s coast, home to some of the most diverse marine ecosystems in the Caribbean. It includes the famous Great Blue Hole but also has many other incredible dive sites like The Wall and Half Moon Caye. The reef is teeming with coral, large schools of fish, and sea turtles. Lighthouse Reef offers more than just diving; it's also a great spot for birdwatching, especially at Half Moon Caye, where you can see nesting red-footed boobies.

Local Tip: Since it’s a bit more isolated, consider booking a live-aboard boat trip or a guided day trip that includes stops at several sites in the reef.

5. Ambergris Caye and San Pedro: The Gateway to Reef Adventures

The bustling town of San Pedro on Ambergris Caye is one of Belize’s most popular destinations for those looking to explore the Barrier Reef. Located right next to the reef, the caye offers plenty of opportunities for diving, snorkeling, and water-based adventures. Whether you are looking for a leisurely boat tour to spot manatees or eager to take a plunge into the reef itself, Ambergris Caye serves as the perfect hub for your aquatic escapades.

Local Tip: You can book day trips from San Pedro to various dive sites along the Barrier Reef. There are many dive shops on the island that offer equipment rentals and guided tours for both beginners and experienced divers.

6. Exploring Belize’s Other Marine Wonders

Beyond the famous dive sites, Belize is home to an array of stunning marine ecosystems worth exploring. The Laughing Bird Caye National Park, located on a small island south of Placencia, is another UNESCO World Heritage site with vibrant coral reefs. The waters around Glover’s Reef Atoll are equally as pristine and home to diverse fish species, sea turtles, and even the occasional whale shark.

Local Tip: Consider booking a multi-day dive tour to explore different parts of the reef and enjoy a variety of ecosystems, from shallow reefs to deeper dive sites with underwater walls.

7. Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit Belize for diving and snorkeling is during the dry season, from December to May. The water visibility is at its best, and the weather is warm and sunny. For those looking to witness whale shark migrations, the best time to visit is in March to June when these magnificent creatures come to feed in the waters near Gladden Spit.

Local Tip: Book your dive tours and accommodations in advance, especially during the high season, to secure the best spots and rates.

8. Sustainable Diving and Conservation in Belize

As a visitor to Belize’s Barrier Reef, it’s important to be mindful of the impact that tourism can have on this fragile ecosystem. Many dive operators in Belize prioritize sustainable practices and participate in reef conservation efforts. When diving, always follow the guidelines to avoid touching or disturbing marine life, and avoid using sunscreen that could harm the reef.

Local Tip: Consider diving with operators that support marine conservation projects, such as coral restoration or marine life monitoring.

Conclusion

The Belize Barrier Reef offers some of the world’s best diving opportunities, where crystal-clear waters meet vibrant coral reefs and abundant marine life. From the breathtaking Great Blue Hole to the pristine waters of Hol Chan and Turneffe Atoll, there’s no shortage of underwater wonder to explore. Whether you're a seasoned diver or a novice snorkeler, Belize's reefs provide an unforgettable aquatic adventure.

For those planning a trip to Belize, working with local travel agencies such as Roomchai Limited can help create the perfect itinerary for your diving adventure, ensuring a seamless experience from start to finish.

[atlantichurricanes]

Atlantic Tropical Weather Outlook issued by the National Hurricane Center in Miami, FL, USA

2024-11-17, 07:00 EST

Active systems: The National Hurricane Center is issuing advisories on Tropical Storm Sara, located near the coast of Belize.

Tropical cyclone formation is not expected during the next 7 days.

$$ Forecaster Kelly