But before we switch gears, as you may know, Hurricane Agatha formed even before the hurricane season started - perhaps a grave portent of the season ahead.
And Agatha is reportedly the strongest hurricane ever recorded to come ashore in May during the eastern Pacific hurricane season. Already, it has killed at least 11 people and left 20 missing in Mexico.
And according to Belize's chief meteorologist, it has caused some rains in Belize as well.
Ronald Gordon, Chief Meteorologist
"Hurricane Agatha made landfall on the pacific side of Mexico, I believe about 2 days ago as a category 2 hurricane. Due to the impacts of land as you would expect, it rapidly dissipated and the remnants of Agatha gradually moved across Mexico Yucatan and is emerging into the north western Caribbean Sea at the moment. indeed, Belize was caught up in the broad moist flow surrounding that system and that was indeed a part of the reason why we have been having heavy rainfalls over the past few days. With Agatha having moved now or almost emerging into the waters, there is a high chance that it may redevelop into a tropical depression, but the projection for that system is to move to the northeast away from Belize, away from Yucatan and head towards Cuba and Florida. So, in terms of our weather, we could expect that the rainfalls will gradually decrease and the threat of flooding also decreasing."
Reporter
"But you expect it to redevelop into a hurricane?"
Ronald Gordon, Chief Meteorologist
"It may develop into a tropical depression or a tropical storm. Whether hurricane at the moment, it is not certain. Again, we do not expect any hurricane or tropical storm impact from that system once redevelop. It is going to be moving away from us."
And if it reforms in the Atlantic, then it will be renamed "Alex."
And already its presence is being felt in Belize. This evening, we received these images of flooding in Progresso and cloudy skies over Calcutta, both villages in Corozal, presumably the effects of Agatha.
And because of these effects, the Ministry of Agriculture is advising farmers to safeguard their crops and livestocks. All farmers who are in law lying and flood prone areas are advised to harvest available and mature crops, make a note of all crops planted and production amount, and store harvested crops in cool, dry areas to avoid spoilage or losses.
In regard to livestock, farmers are advised to temporarily relocate animals to safer areas, ensure availability of animal feed and water, and make a count of all animals. v Other tips for farmers can be found on the Government of Belize Press Office Facebook page.
