The Hydrometeorological Service has warned that moderate to heavy rainfall is expected to continue across Guyana through Tuesday, March 31, significantly increasing the risk of flooding in several areas.
In an advisory, the agency said periods of rainfall capable of triggering flooding are forecast from Sunday night through Tuesday, with low-lying and poorly drained communities facing the greatest threat.
According to the Hydromet Service, current weather conditions are being driven by strong low-level convergence and very moist easterly trade winds, supported by the Intertropical Convergence Zone east of Guyana and upper-level divergence.
These conditions, the agency said, are creating widespread instability, cloudy skies and episodes of heavy convective rainfall, which are likely to persist over the next two to three days.
The highest rainfall totals are expected over inland and southern Guyana.
While rainfall activity is projected to gradually decrease on Sunday, March 29, wet conditions are still expected to persist, with another increase in rainfall likely on Monday and Tuesday.
Hydromet said rainfall on Sunday is expected to range between 5 millimetres and 30 millimetres over a 24-hour period. For the remainder of the advisory period, accumulations are forecast to average between 20 and 50 millimetres in inland and southern regions, and between 10 and 30 millimetres in other parts of the country.
The agency said residents can expect widespread rainfall, at times heavy, along with thunderstorms particularly during the afternoon and early evening periods.
Stronger winds, rising water levels, soggy and saturated soils, ponding in low-lying areas, lower-than-normal nighttime temperatures, reduced visibility during intense showers and hazardous conditions on roadways are also expected.
Hydromet warned that the persistent rainfall may lead to localized flooding, especially in flood-prone communities, while water accumulation on roads could create dangerous driving conditions.
The service also cautioned that outdoor activities, including construction work and sporting events, could be disrupted.
Additional impacts may include lightning, gusty winds, uprooted trees, damage to infrastructure and possible mudslides.
The advisory remains in effect until Tuesday, March 31.
