Guatemala will face a weekend marked by intense heat, scattered rains and thunderstormsaccording to the forecast of the National Institute of Seismology, Volcanology, Meteorology and Hydrology (Insivumeh), which warns of variable conditions in different regions of the country.
With temperatures that could reach up to 40 degrees Celsiusrains accompanied by electrical activity and possible severe local storms, the climate outlook for the Saturday, April 18 and Sunday, April 19, 2026 generates uncertainty among the population seeking to plan their activities. Will it be an intense summer weekend or the early start of winter?
Extreme heat will dominate much of the country
The Insivumeh points out that, despite the presence of rain, the hot and humid environment will be predominant during the weekend.
Estimated temperatures by region:
- Northern Region (Petén): between 36°C and 38°C
- Peaceful: between 36°C and 38°C
- East (Motagua and valleys): between 37°C and 39°C
- Guatemala City: between 27°C and 29°C
- Central and Western Highlands: between 25°C and 30°C
The heat will be more intense in the south, east and north of the countrywith high solar radiation and skies mostly clear during the day.
Showers and thunderstorms in the afternoon and evening
The entry of moisture from the Pacific Oceanadded to local conditions of instability, will favor the development of rains in the afternoon hours.
Main features of the forecast:
- Scattered rain and drizzle in southern to central regions Severe local storms with:
- strong wind
- electrical activity
- Possible hail fall in high areas
- Increase in cloudiness in the afternoon and evening
Specific events are not ruled out with abundant rain in a short timeespecially in mountainous areas.
ATMOSPHERIC CONDITIONS FOR APRIL 18, 2026#SomosINSIVUMEH #PassionForScience #AlPuebloDignoSeLeResponde #CIV #ClimaGT pic.twitter.com/CLkXgUTYi5
— INSIVUMEH (@insivumehgt) April 17, 2026
This is how the weather will be by region
Central Plateau (includes Guatemala City)
- Fog in the morning
- Hot and humid environment
- Showers with thunderstorms in the afternoon
Pacific Region
- Lightly cloudy skies and hot weather
- Increased rain in the afternoon and evening
Northern Region (Petén)
- morning fog
- Intense heat during the day
- Scattered rains towards the south of the department
Caribbean, Northern Transversal Strip and Alta Verapaz
- Fog in the morning
- Partial cloudy
- Showers with electrical activity in the afternoon
East (Motagua and valleys)
- Warm and misty atmosphere
- Scattered rains in mountain areas
Rains could mark the early start of winter
According to the Insivumeh special bulletin, some of the expected rainfall for this weekend they could be related to the early start of the rainy season 2026particularly in southern and southwestern regions.
The report indicates that:
- The season could start from the second week of April in some areas
- The establishment will be gradual and non-uniform
- April will present rains close to normal, but with variability
El Niño could bring less rain and more heat in the coming months
The Insivumeh warns that there is a 78% probability for the El Niño phenomenon to develop between August and October 2026, which could alter the country’s climatic behavior.
Main expected effects:
- Decrease in rainfall in the second half of winter
- Increase in temperatures
- Longest dog days (4 to 10 weeks depending on region)
- Greater risk of agricultural droughts
This phenomenon is associated with:
- Greater number of dry days
- High solar radiation
- Humidity reduction
The outlook for this weekend will be marked by variable conditions, with high temperatures during the day and rains accompanied by electrical activity in the afternoon and nightin a context that reflects the gradual change towards the rainy season in the country. Given these conditions, Insivumeh recommends that the population stay informed through its official channels and take the necessary precautions both due to the heat and possible local storms.
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