Mexico braces for 2026 rainy season with flood-prevention overhaul
Mexico’s 2026 rainy and tropical cyclone seasons have officially begun, with authorities rolling out measures to manage potential risks. The Pacific season started on 15 May, while the Atlantic season will follow on 1 June. In response, Mexico City has launched Operation Tlaloque 2.0 to tackle flooding at 56 critical locations known as Ehécatl Points. The National Meteorological Service (SMN), part of CONAGUA, announced the start of both seasons. To prepare, the Integral Water Management Secretariat (Segiagua) has deployed 3,200 workers across the Mexico City Metropolitan Area for emergency support.
Mexico’s Early Warning Networks operate through four key steps: assessing risks, tracking weather forecasts, planning emergency responses, and issuing public alerts. The Rain Alert Traffic Light System categorises threats into five levels, from Green to Purple. A Green Alert indicates mild conditions, such as light rain and winds under 49 km/h. At the other end, a Purple Alert signals extreme rainfall, with high risks of landslides and structural damage. Operation Tlaloque 2.0 focuses on preventing waterlogging and flooding at designated Ehécatl Points. The system also relies on the Early Warning Rain Alert System to keep residents informed about weather intensities nationwide.
The 2026 rainy season has prompted coordinated action to reduce flood risks in Mexico City. With 3,200 workers on standby and a colour-coded alert system in place, authorities aim to minimise damage from heavy rain and tropical cyclones. The Pacific season is already underway, while the Atlantic season will begin in early June.
