The probability of some rainfall falling in Jalisco this month is high, says the Universidad de Guadalajara (UdG) Institute of Meteorology and Astronomy (IAM).
Although the rainy season (temporada de lluvias) proper doesn’t usually begin until mid June, sporadic showers at the end of May aren’t uncommon.
Weather experts say that only after three consecutive rainy days can the “wet” season be deemed to have started in earnest.
Although Lake Chapala and other reservoirs in Jalisco would benefit from abundant rains, the IAM says we should expect a “normal” rainy season.Meanwhile, authorities in the metropolitan area of Guadalajara have started the task of preparing for the rains, which can often provoke flash flooding and cause traffic havoc.
The Intermunicipal Water Authority (SIAPA) says their employees have cleaned 95 percent of the storm drains found within the 33 metro area tunnels, the biggest danger spots in the event of flash flooding.
In their clean up efforts, local authorities are concentrating on some 300 “conflict zones” in the city that could present dangers to the population in the event of severe flooding.
In total, the city has 15,000 storm drains.