Weather agency warns storms will peak over several days, raising risks for roads, homes, and unstable terrain nationwide.

After weeks marked by dryness in key parts of the country, Ecuador is now bracing for a sharp shift in weather as heavy rains and storms spread across much of the national territory, prompting authorities to issue the first major meteorological alert of the season.

The National Institute of Meteorology and Hydrology, INAMHI, warned that rainfall will increase both in intensity and geographic reach, with thunderstorms and strong wind gusts expected across coastal, Andean, and Amazon regions. The alert covers several consecutive days and reflects a broader change in atmospheric conditions now converging over the country.

Days of heaviest rainfall ahead

Meteorologists indicated that rainfall will not arrive as a single event but rather as a sustained pattern, with the most intense periods expected over multiple days. The prolonged nature of the rains increases the likelihood of cumulative impacts, particularly in areas where drainage systems are already stressed or soils are nearing saturation.

Officials emphasized that the timing is critical. While rain is welcomed after a recent dry spell that affected hydroelectric zones, the sudden return of widespread storms creates a different set of challenges, especially for transportation networks and hillside communities.

Coastal provinces face highest intensity

The interior of the northern and central coastal region is expected to bear the brunt of the rainfall. Provinces such as Esmeraldas, Santo Domingo de los Tsáchilas, Manabí, and Los Ríos are forecast to experience very high precipitation levels, raising concerns about urban flooding, overflowing rivers, and damage to secondary roads.

In low-lying cities and towns, water accumulation is likely in homes, businesses, and streets, particularly where drainage infrastructure is limited or already compromised. Authorities warned that standing water, fallen trees, and poor visibility caused by fog could disrupt traffic and increase the risk of accidents.

Amazon and Sierra regions on watch

Heavy rains are also forecast across much of the Amazon region, with Morona Santiago, Zamora Chinchipe, and Sucumbíos identified as areas of special concern. In these provinces, persistent rainfall combined with dense vegetation and river systems could lead to localized flooding and access difficulties in rural communities.

In the Inter-Andean region, more intense and longer-lasting rains are expected in provinces such as Carchi, Pichincha, Bolívar, and parts of Imbabura and Cotopaxi, as well as along sections of the eastern mountain range in the central and southern highlands. Mountainous terrain and steep slopes heighten the risk of landslides, especially where soils are already saturated.

Landslides, lightning, and wind among main risks

Beyond flooding, meteorological authorities highlighted additional hazards associated with the storms. Lightning activity and strong wind gusts may accompany the heaviest downpours, posing risks to power lines, trees, and exposed structures.

In hillside zones and areas with unstable geology, the combination of persistent rain and waterlogged soil significantly increases the likelihood of landslides. Officials urged residents in these locations to remain alert to changes in terrain, unusual sounds, or sudden water flows that could signal slope failure.

Why the weather is changing

According to forecasters, the intensifying rains are the result of several atmospheric factors acting simultaneously. Moisture drawn from the Intertropical Convergence Zone is interacting with high humidity and atmospheric instability originating in the Amazon basin. At the same time, wind convergence at lower levels of the atmosphere and divergence at higher altitudes are creating ideal conditions for the formation of large storm systems.

These dynamics favor the development of towering storm clouds capable of producing heavy rainfall in short periods, as well as repeated storm activity over the same areas.

Authorities urge caution and preparedness

Emergency and weather officials are advising citizens to stay informed through official channels and to take preventative measures where possible. Clearing drainage channels, avoiding travel during peak rainfall hours, and exercising caution near rivers, slopes, and construction zones are among the recommendations being emphasized.

As Ecuador transitions from drought conditions to a wetter pattern, authorities stressed that vigilance over the coming days will be essential to reduce risks to people, infrastructure, and essential services, particularly in regions historically vulnerable to flooding and landslides.