The rains recorded on the afternoon of this Thursday, May 7, surprised residents of different sectors of the capital and nearby municipalities, after several days marked by high temperatures and a warm atmosphere in much of the country.
The downpour caused complications in vehicular traffic and concern among motorists and residents about possible flooding on main routes and vulnerable sectors.
According to the forecaster of the National Institute of Seismology, Volcanology, Meteorology and Hydrology (Insivumeh) Cleofás Culajay, during the morning a trough was observed at altitude that favored conditions of atmospheric instability.
The expert explained that this phenomenon, combined with the entry of humidity from both coasts, increased the probability of rain and electrical activity in different regions of the national territory.
According to Insivumeh, rainy conditions are expected mainly in the bocacosta regions, the west, the central highlands and the eastern valleys.
In the metropolitan area, social media users and authorities reported rainfall in various parts of the capital and nearby municipalities.
The Municipality of Guatemala reported through its social networks about rain in zones 2, 5, 6 and 16, as well as in sectors of the route to the Atlantic. In addition, he recommended drivers reduce speed, use lights and keep the windshield wipers active to avoid road mishaps.
The X Clima Guatemala account reported the formation of a severe storm between Palencia, San Pedro Ayampuc and sectors of the route to the Atlantic, accompanied by electrical activity, strong winds and intense rains.
Users also reported hail falling in sectors of Palencia, where they asked drivers and motorcyclists traveling through the area to be cautious.
The Guatemalan Red Cross indicated that rain accompanied by an electrical storm was recorded in zone 25, which is why it recommended caution to those traveling through that sector.
Separately, the Executive Secretariat of the National Coordinator for Disaster Reduction (SE-Conred) disseminated recommendations for driving during the rains.
Suggested measures include reducing speed, maintaining distance between vehicles and checking the condition of the tires.
The rains occurred in the midst of a heat wave that has affected much of the country in recent days, with high temperatures and intense thermal sensation, especially in the afternoon.
🌧️🌧️ Rain in zones 2, 5, 6, 16 and route to the Atlantic.
🚘 Drive carefully, slow down the vehicle, activate the windshield wipers and turn on the lights.
Equipment @muniguate on alert. Emergencies at 📞 1551.#rain2026 #winter2026 pic.twitter.com/TOFckmWg0N
— MuniGuate (@muniguate) May 7, 2026
⛈ Rain accompanied by an electrical storm, in zone 25 of Palencia, Guatemala. ⚠️ Caution in the sector.
Send us your reports via Telegram ➡️ https://t.co/bOLepyotB1 and in case of emergency call 125 #RedCrossGT.We can’t stop, they need us outside pic.twitter.com/m48OCXNmH9
— CruzRojaGT (@CruzRojaGT_) May 7, 2026
*Stay up to date with the Now newsletter. Key information at the moment it happens. Subscribe here.