On the first of March, Guayaquil was hit by a powerful electrical storm that brought heavy rain, thunder, and lightning, persisting for several hours throughout the early morning. The northern and northeastern areas of the city felt the brunt of the storm, which was intense enough to trigger car alarms. Local weather service Inamhi had predicted rain and storms along the coast, with milder showers in the highlands, and increased daytime temperatures in various regions including the Amazon.

Social media users took to platforms to express their astonishment at the unusual intensity of the rain. One user, Maria Ubilla, remarked that the rainfall felt unprecedented, comparing it to a deluge, while another user, Caro Merchán, found it challenging to sleep due to the severity of the storm. The storm not only affected residents but also caused minor delays for several flights operating in the area, highlighting the impact of such weather phenomena on daily life and transportation.

This weather event raises concerns about the implications of increased storm frequency and intensity potentially linked to climate change, as well as the preparedness of urban infrastructure in coping with sudden, extreme weather conditions. It serves as a reminder for local authorities to assess and improve their response strategies to ensure public safety during such severe weather episodes.