The National Institute of Meteorology and Hydrology (Inamhi) of Ecuador has issued a new weather alert due to forecasted intense rainfall across the national territory. This alert, designated as alert number 18, will be in effect from 14:00 on March 10 until 13:00 on March 13. The most intense rain is expected on March 10 and 11, which could lead to significant weather-related impacts in the affected areas.

Meteorologists have warned of the potential for heavy rain and thunderstorms, which they attribute to several meteorological phenomena. These include divergent conditions at altitude originating from the Amazon, the persistent influx of moisture driven by the Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ) along the coast, and the influence of the South American low-level jet in the Amazon. These conditions create a favorable environment for the development of intense precipitation over the duration of the alert.

Additionally, there is a convergence of low-level winds and anomalously warm sea surface temperatures off the coast of Ecuador, along with daytime heating and orographic forcing impacting mountain regions. Experts suggest that these contributing factors, along with the presence of a weak low-frequency wave and the influence of the Madden-Julian Oscillation (MJO), enhance the likelihood of extensive rainfall. Residents of the affected provinces are advised to stay informed and take necessary precautions as the weather event unfolds.