Cartagena, located on the Caribbean coast, usually enjoys a warm and dry environment for most of the year. However, the city's climate is marked by a strong variability of precipitation, which means that both residents and visitors should monitor weather forecasts to plan their activities.
Tracking the weather in Cartagena is essential not only to decide whether or not to take the umbrella, but also to prevent and minimize risks associated with heavy rains, gusts of wind, or periods of extreme heat. This knowledge is especially useful for sectors such as tourism, mobility, emergency management, and everyday life.
Weather forecast for recent and upcoming days
During the past week, Cartagena started the days with very cloudy skies and possibility of heavy rain, especially on June 12 and 13, when the probability of precipitation exceeded 95%, accompanied by an ambient humidity close to 100%. Temperatures ranged from 29 and 30 degrees maximum and minimum temperatures around 24-26°C, accompanied by wind gusts of up to 24 km/h and moderate levels of UV radiation.
On Saturday, June 14, overcast skies persisted, although the situation varied as the hours passed, alternating between periods of dense cloud cover and rain with others of lesser cloud cover. Temperatures remained within the usual range—maximum temperatures around 29°C and minimum temperatures around 25°C—and the rains tended to ease into the night. Winds continued gusting to nearly 18 km/h.
On Sunday, despite high humidity levels and risk of rain in other areas, Cartagena was dominated by a panorama of high clouds and stable environment, favoring slightly higher temperatures: around 30°C high and 21-22°C low. The winds, less intense, blew slightly from the east.
Looking ahead to the current week, the trend points to Variable cloudiness and possible showers linked to the presence of tropical waves crossing the Caribbean. For Tuesday, the probability of precipitation remains around 50%, so it's advisable to pay attention to official alerts.
General characteristics of Cartagena's climate
El The predominant climate in Cartagena is semi-arid, with a warm and dry touch for most of the year. The sea breeze helps to soften the heat on days of high temperatures and provides a certain feeling of freshness, although the maximum wind chill can easily exceed 30°C on days of intense heat.
In general terms, the annual average temperatures are around 27°C, although it is not unusual for daytime highs to vary between 31 and 33°C. Nights are usually warm, rarely falling below 24°C.
In the chapter of precipitation, Cartagena experiences a long wet season which extends from May to November, with October being the month with the most abundant rainfall. Dry days are more frequent from December to April, especially in January, February, and March.
Alerts and risks during the rainy season
The arrival of abundant rains in the wet months increases the risk of soil saturation and possible landslides in sloping areas and outlying neighborhoods. Meteorological authorities recommend extreme caution, especially when warnings are issued. high probability of precipitation or storms associated with the Intertropical Convergence Zone or active tropical waves.
Some basic recommendations During episodes of heavy rain in Cartagena include:
- Check the stability of roofs and windows to prevent wind damage
- Perform cleaning drains and gutters periodically to facilitate water drainage
- Avoid unnecessary travel during storms
- Having a basic emergency kit: water, non-perishable food, flashlights and spare batteries
- Stay informed of the official alerts and emergency numbers
In case of emergency, the following contacts can be used:
- Fire brigade: 119
- National Police: 123
- Red Cross: 132
Climate diversity in Cartagena and its surroundings
Colombia, due to its complex orography, It has a remarkable variety of climatesIn the Caribbean region, the semi-arid climate coexists with areas of dry savanna, while other areas show a greater predominance of rainfall.
According to IDEAM, the country recognizes several climate types: tropical, dry, temperate and cold mountainWithin the tropical climates, subtypes are differentiated according to their rainfall regime and seasonality, which explains the great meteorological heterogeneity even in relatively close areas.
Factors affecting local climate
The climate in Cartagena and its surroundings is conditioned by its proximity to the Caribbean Sea, the influence of the Intertropical Convergence Zone, the arrival of tropical waves and the presence of low pressure fields. These factors not only determine the frequency and intensity of rainfall, but also the cloud variability and the behavior of the wind.
Paying attention to weather reports and warnings from authorities is essential to adapt to both the climatic phenomena characteristic of the region as well as sudden changes in the weather.
This warm and generally stable climate requires careful preparation for specific weather events, especially during the long wet season. The variability in temperature and precipitation, along with the region's diverse climate, makes it essential to consult forecasts and take preventive measures against sudden changes in the weather.
