The period between June and November marks one of the most closely monitored times by Yucatecan authorities and society: the hurricane season in Yucatán . With the first cyclonic formations of 2025 already recorded in the Atlantic and Pacific, a series of protocols and coordinated actions have been implemented to reduce risk and protect the population from hydrometeorological phenomena.
This year, the Yucatán State Civil Protection Council held its first session, establishing a roadmap for the upcoming season and reinforcing the call for preparedness and citizen collaboration. Forecasts indicate an active season in the region, requiring residents to pay close attention to official alerts and recommendations.
Forecasts for the 2025 cyclone season
According to the National Water Commission (Conagua) , between 13 and 17 tropical cyclones are expected to form in the Atlantic during this year's rainy and hurricane season. Not all of them will directly impact the Yucatán Peninsula, but there is an estimated 20% chance that at least one will. In 2024, for example, only Hurricane Beryl made landfall in Yucatán, bringing heavy rain and strong winds to municipalities such as Valladolid, Chemax, and Chichimilá.
This forecast underscores the importance of staying informed throughout the season , as the paths of these systems can change from one moment to the next.
Preventive actions and inter-institutional coordination
The Civil Protection strategy for this year includes the opening of 1,240 temporary shelters, primarily located in coastal areas and other vulnerable locations. In addition, more than 600 municipal agents and coordinators have been trained through drills and joint operations in collaboration with state and federal agencies, the armed forces, and representatives of civil society.
The Special Civil Protection Program and the schedule of sessions through 2030 were approved at the inaugural session, thus laying the groundwork for an effective response and continuous monitoring. Governor Joaquín Díaz Mena emphasized the importance of prevention, infrastructure investment, and civic education to strengthen community resilience.
Alert system: colors and meaning
To deal with the threat of cyclones, Yucatán uses a color-coded alert system that guides the population on the level of danger and the measures to take:
- Blue (Minimal danger): stay informed, answer official questions, and ensure that you have a flashlight, water, medication, and important documents.
- Green (Low Danger): protect doors and windows, secure objects that could fly away, and clear the roof.
- Yellow (Moderate Danger): fill the fuel tank, store food and water, prepare the emergency backpack and know the location of shelters.
- Orange (High Danger): Disconnect electrical equipment, protect sensitive documentation and pets, and heed any evacuation instructions.
- Red (Maximum Danger): stay in safe places, stay away from windows and closely follow civil protection announcements.
These alerts are communicated through campaigns on radio, TV, print media, and social media, reinforcing the role of information in citizen safety.
Social participation and general recommendations
Protection against cyclones is not solely the responsibility of the government; it depends heavily on an informed and prepared community . It is crucial to familiarize yourself with the emergency plan, identify the nearest shelters, and participate in drills organized in your community.
It is also recommended to keep an emergency kit on hand at all times , containing water, non-perishable food, a flashlight, a battery-powered radio, copies of documents, and essential medications. Collaboration among neighbors is invaluable, especially for assisting vulnerable individuals.
Associated phenomena and possible risks
During cyclone season, complex weather phenomena such as the Fujiwhara effect can occur, where two nearby cyclonic systems can interact and alter their trajectories and strengths. While less frequent, these situations can suddenly increase the danger in coastal and low-lying areas.
Therefore, both authorities and citizens must be alert not only to the arrival of cyclones, but also to any changes in the usual rain and wind patterns that may herald greater risks.
It is essential that the 2025 hurricane season in Yucatán continue to be a collaborative effort between authorities, institutions, and residents to anticipate, respond to, and reduce potential damage. Establishing shelters, training personnel, and disseminating protocols and alerts strengthen the response capacity to any weather emergency, always following official guidelines and using up-to-date information to make informed decisions.
