Category Archives: Caribbean

Many Caribbean islands boast about their culinary scene, but events like the Cayman Cookout demonstrate why the Cayman Islands is a cut above the rest. Hosted by celebrity chef Eric Ripert, this annual food festival staged at the Ritz Carlton Grand Cayman attracts top chefs like Jose Andreas, Andrew Zimmern, and Emeril Lagasse as well as showcasing local talent from the top restaurants and hotels in the Caymans.

Ripert has a long love affair with Cayman and his Blue by Eric Ripert restaurant at the Ritz Carlton is one of the islands top dining experiences, lending legitimacy to the Cayman Islands claim to be a culinary capital of the Caribbean.

Whether you want to pay attend the Cayman Cookout in January, sample the Taste of Cayman in April, come in October for restaurant week and cocktail week, or visit Grand Cayman another time of year, here are some of the islands hottest places to eat for food-focused travelers.

Blue by Eric Ripert

Grand Caymans premier culinary experience is a celebration of the bounty of the blue Caribbean Sea, with local seafood and a world-class wine list complimented by an elegant waterfront location at the Ritz Carlton Grand Cayman resort.

Grand Old House

Located on a former plantation estate dating to 1908, the Grand Old House takes a modern approach to dining on its oceanside verandah with farm-to-table offerings that highlight both Caribbean and international cuisine.

The Brasserie

Widely credited with launching Grand Caymans locally sourced dining movement, The Brasseries menu is driven by whats available but typically emphasizes the catch of the day, lobster and conch in season, and treats like ice cream flavored with local fruits.

Luca

The Caribbean Club on Seven Mile Beach is home to this beachfront restaurant that features contemporary Italian cuisine, a wine cellar with more that 5,500 bottles, and unexpected options like sushi along with vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free menus.

Cimboco

Bright, cheerful, and unpretentious, locally owned Cimboco serves scratch-made Caymanian food with a modern twist and sometimes the other way around. Youll find hints of citrus in the bruschetta, fresh snapper wrapped in a banana leaf, and pizzas topped with sauce made from local tomatoes and jerk chicken.

The Wharf Restaurant & Bar

Waves lapping at the Wharfs dining dock set the mood for Executive Chef Christian Reiters seafood creations like the signature basil and pistachio encrusted sea bass, but theres also Angus beef filet mignon, escargot, foie gras and rack of lamb on the classically inspired best dinner menu in Grand Cayman.

Abacus

Indoor and outdoor spaces come alive at night at this Camana Bay restaurant, which puts the emphasis on convivial culture as well as the steaks and seafood on Chef Charith Hemans dinner menu. Live music gives the bar scene an extra charge on Saturday nights.

Blue Cilantro

Indian food has always had a strong influence on Caribbean cuisine like roti and curry goat, but Blue Cilantro executive chef Vidyadhara Shetty(coincidentally the president of the Cayman Culinary Society) goes all in with an east-west fusion menu featuring the catch of the day cooked in a clay oven, Tandoori style, and a pork ribs and belly appetizer served with a ginger apple chutney and vindaloo sauce.

Union Grill and Bar

A gastropub with leather seats and a supper club atmosphere is a little unexpected, but this being the Caribbean the Union Grill and Bar also has an outdoor waterfront terrace where you can enjoy artisan cocktails, local seafood appetizers and entrees, and Angus steaks and poultry dishes.

VIVO

Caribbean, American, Indian, Asian, Greek, French, Mexican it all goes into the pot of influences at this seaside restaurant in West Bay, where the food for your soul tour runs from cauliflower tossed in Manchurian sauce as an appetizer to Asian stir-fry and curry dishes for mains and baklava for dessert.

Cracked Conch

A tiki bar with an excellent selection of Caribbean rums and classic tiki concoctions helps elevate this West Bay restaurant into the ranks of Caymanian favorites. As for the food menu, of course youll find conch chowder, ceviche and fritters but also an assortment of salads, small plates, and entrees that include local snapper poached in coconut oil and topped with crumbled pumpkin seeds.

Ave

The signature eatery at the islands celebrated Kimpton Seafire Resort + Spa is a combination Mediterranean eatery and steakhouse, with superb seafood and one of the best Sunday brunches on the whole island. The view particular at sunset is worth the trip alone.

Tillies

Tillie isnt the chef (thats Jake Tyler Brodsky); the name of this restaurant on Seven Mile Beach is short for Antilles, the region of the Caribbean that includes the Cayman Islands and the place where most of the food on the menu is sourced. Wednesday night is a great time to sample Chef Brodskys eclectic cuisine by ordering from a fixed-price Supper Club menu.

Ms. Pipers Kitchen + Garden

The familial backyard setting at Ms. Pipers is intended to make diners feel at home and at ease whole browsing through a menu of small (empanadas, cassava cheese bread), medium (Korean ribs, branzino), and large plates (mezze platter, butterflied snapper) and an indulgent dessert menu featuring a Basque style burnt cheesecake.

Silver Palm

TUKKA West

Were going to go out on a limb and guess that this is the only Australian inspired restaurant in the Caribbean. Located in the West Bay, TUKKA serves kangaroo sausage alongside more familiar West Indies food like calamari and ceviche; the conch fritters are tossed in with fried crocodile bites, and the shrimp dishes feature Australian native tiger prawns.

Bacaro

This Italian restaurant channels the spirit of a Venetian wine bar alongside the canals of a West Bay yacht harbor, pairing an extensive menu of international wines by the glass or bottle with Mediterranean-style cichetti (appetizers), small plates, charcuterie plates, and mains ranging from Cornish game hen to local grilled lobster.

Heritage Kitchen

Theres nothing fancy about Heritage Kitchen, but you really shouldnt visit the Cayman Islands without trying some authentic local food, and this is the go-to on Grand Cayman for that. Order your fried fish, coconut grouper, conch fritter and fish soup from a window in a cheerfully painted shack, take a seat on one of the waterfront picnic tables, and enjoy a true taste of the Caymans.

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Why the Cayman Islands Is a Caribbean Culinary Capital - Caribbean Journal

Situation, Needs, and Challenges- Sub-regional Overview

Caribbean sub-regional countries continue to receive and host thousands of Venezuelans, as well as other refugee and migrant groups, (1) causing concern over the perceived strain on the resources of host countries. The Dutch Caribbean islands of Aruba and Curaao the largest refugees and migrants per capita globally; the Dominican Republic hosts the largest absolute number of Venezuelans in the Caribbean with 124,000 in the country in 2023, while Guyana and Trinidad and Tobago host Indigenous populations and other refugees and migrants from Venezuela. All sub-regional countries are concerned about their capacity to accommodate and provide for these refugee and migrant populations. In 2023, socio-economic integration was identified by R4V partners as the second most significant need for refugees and migrants from Venezuela after protection. In 2023, it is estimated that some 70% (148.3K) of people will need integration support across the Caribbean. (2,3) In the Caribbean, refugees and migrants from Venezuela face several obstacles to socio-economic integration including limited employment opportunities, language barriers, limited recognition of prior studies and professional titles, restricted access to higher education, discrimination, and xenophobia. (4) Lack of access to regular status and documentation continues to be reported as the primary concerns.

(1) UNHCR Trinidad and Tobago has registered a total of 42 nationalities within their database as of 2023. (2) Breakdown of persons in need across the Caribbean sub-regional countries: 52% (8918) in Aruba, 52% (7322) in Curacao, 72% (94347) in the Dominican Republic, 53% (11532) in Guyana; and 72% (26113) in Trinidad and Tobago (3) Refugee and Migrant Needs Analysis https://rmrp.r4v.info (4) Refugee and Migrants Needs Analysis (RMNA) Caribbean Chapter 2023. https://www.r4v.info/en/document/rmna-2023-needs-analysis

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Integration Sector: Background Notes - Caribbean October 2023 ... - ReliefWeb

Fundacin Dominicana de Estudios Marinos (FUNDEMAR), Reef Renewal Foundation Bonaire (RRFB), and SECORE International are well-established organizations that have been successfully working on distinct aspects of coral restoration from research on technology development to field implementation. Cooperating for years, they have now combined forces within a new project that aims to foster the application and cost-effectiveness of novel coral breeding technologies at key stages of Coral Seeding methodology: collecting coral spawn and assisted fertilization, mass coral larvae rearing, coral settlement, and improving survival of corals after seeding them on the reef.

Novel Research & Development innovations include multi-colony spawning collectors for underwater coral nurseries and outplanting sites on the reef, as well as novel substrates to facilitate bulk outplanting. To scale up existing technology, the utilization of floating devices for culturing coral larvae (Coral Rearing In-situ Basins, CRIBs) will be optimized. Tiny coral offspring will be fed after settlement to give them a headstart and better survivorship once outplanted. In terms of translating experimental findings into technology, surface deployment of corals freshly settled on special substrates and innovative methods of settling coral larvae directly on the reef floor will be piloted.

FUNDEMARs land-based coral larvae rearing facility in the Dominican Republic will be expanded to double its current capacity. A new facility meeting similar needs will be designed for RRFB in Bonaire. Both facilities will significantly increase each organizations capacity for Coral Seeding, allowing more coral offspring to be reared and safeguarded in a controlled setting before outplanting, while serving as an educational and Research & Development resource at the same time.

As the Caribbean faces increasingly challenging ocean conditions, harnessing the latest technologies for large-scale coral breeding takes on an ever more crucial role in assisting the recovery of endangered coral populations. As restoration-focused organizations, its important to unite strengths to amplify our efforts and promote the restoration of stronger, more resilient coral reefs. Francesca Virdis, COO of RRFB

Through their partnership, FUNDEMAR, RRFB, and SECORE International drive innovation in Coral Seeding technology and implementation and provide a framework for collaborative restoration throughout the Caribbean and beyond. By implementing techniques that boost the genetic diversity of Caribbean coral populations, they foster stronger reef ecosystems that are better equipped to face environmental challenges, especially in regard to climate change.

To scale the restoration to have a significant impact, we work with experts from different disciplines to optimize our approach, increase efficiency, and scale. Technology and design are the keys to achieving these goals. The same concepts used in other industries scaling production, reducing labor, optimizing logistics, etc. directly apply to coral restoration. We support local partners who have knowledge of their reefs and know how to integrate their local communities to implement restoration on the ground, providing them the training and equipment needed to start and grow their programs. Aric Bickel, Director of Technology and Implementation SECORE international.

This 3-year project is supported by funding of US 1.38 million from the Coral Research & Development Accelerator Platform (CORDAP), a UN grant program designed to fast-track research and development around coral reef recovery worldwide. New funding from CORDAP enables the three organizations to focus not only on technical strategies of Coral Seeding, but also on ways to incorporate and adapt them to other Caribbean locations. Knowledge and resources will be exchanged to promote the replicability of Coral Seeding innovations on other islands, especially via training workshops and knowledge sharing, but also by scientific exchange and other communication channels.

Coral reefs are in a critical period, where threats seem to never end. CORDAP offers a unique financing platform, encouraging coordinated cooperation projects and generating strategic alliances between experts, communities, and countries to achieve their survival with haste. Rita Sellares, CEO of FUNDEMAR

Caribbean coral reefs are facing rapid ecosystem changes, with mass bleaching events triggered by soaring water temperatures and large-scale die-offs caused by Stony Coral Tissue Loss Disease (SCTLD). Coastal communities that depend on healthy reefs are suffering mounting economic losses, both in terms of income and coastal protection. One key aspect of successful restoration amidst these threats is maintaining as well as increasing the genetic diversity of threatened coral populations. Coral Seeding, by taking advantage of corals reproductive potential, promotes genetic diversity and, thus, the resilience of coral populations by creating large numbers of entirely unique coral offspring and seeding them on the reef.

(Source: Reef Renewal Foundation Bonaire)

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Coral Seeding - Restoring Coral Reefs in the Caribbean - InfoBonaire.com

During the inaugural Americas Partnership for Economic Prosperity (Americas Partnership) Leaders' Summit, President Joseph R. Biden announced that, working with Congress, USAID intends to contribute $25 million to the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) Grant Facility.

The $25 million to the IDBs Grant Facility will catalyze additional funding and provide grants to improve the socioeconomic integration of migrants and refugees in their host communities and countries. The IDB will match this contribution with $25 million in IDB institutional funds. The IDBs Grant Facility will work with eligible countries in Latin America and the Caribbean that lack the financial means to provide development support to refugee and migrant-hosting communities and expand service provision to those populations.

USAIDs work to address the challenges posed by migration in Latin America and the Caribbean underscores our commitment to create economic opportunities in the region for people to live, work, and learn in safety and dignity, contribute to and benefit from the democratic process, and enjoy opportunities to create futures for themselves and their families where they reside.

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USAID Announces $25 Million to Address the Challenges of ... - USAID

PortMiami welcomed EXPLORA Ifor her maiden call marking the ships debut in South Florida.

The ship is the first of a fleet of six for the luxury ocean travel brand of the MSC Group.

We take immense pride in introducing our remarkable new ship, EXPLORA I, to the Magic City, said Michael Ungerer, CEO of Explora Journeys. Miami is a paramount destination and important gateway to the Caribbean for ocean travel and it is a privilege to showcase our new ship and immersive journeys to this market. Our team has spared no effort in pushing the limits of innovation and delivering a product that we're thrilled for guests to experience as they embark in South Florida.

The maritime tradition of a crest exchange to celebrate a ships first visit to a destination took place on November 3, 2023, at PortMiami.

The crest exchange was attended by the ships master Captain Diego Michelozzi, Michael Ungerer, CEO Explora Journeys, Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava, and Hydi Webb, PortMiami Director and CEO, among others.

Following her maiden call, EXPLORA I set sail from Miami to San Juan, Puerto Rico.

From November through March, the luxury ship will explore the Caribbean and Central America, calling on ports like Samana/Dominican Republic and Bridgetown/Barbados, with stops in Antigua and Barbuda, Turks and Caicos, Cartagena, Saint Barthlemy and the Grenadines, among others, before heading to the U.S. West Coast.

EXPLORA I first set sail in July 2023. EXPLORA II will enter service in summer 2024 and operate until April 2025 in the Mediterranean Sea and the Middle East.

EXPLORA III and EXPLORA IV will both be powered by liquefied natural gas and enter service in 2026 and 2027 respectively.

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EXPLORA I arrives in Miami for maiden call ahead of Caribbean ... - PAX News

We love taking the family on weekend cruises as a quick escape, and when we got the chance to try the Royal Loft Suite on Allure of the Seas, it seemed like a great opportunity.

This is one of the biggest suites on Allure of the Seas and a cabin that has Star Class benefits, which means it has some of the best perks on the ship.

Read more:Royal Caribbean Suites Guide & Review

Ordinarily, a suite of this size would command a gargantuan price, but Allure of the Seas just shifted to doing short weekend cruises from Port Canaveral and that brought the overall price down to something more affordable. For my family of 4, the price came out to $7,388.32 for the 3-night cruise.

I booked this cruise right when the itineraries were announced back in March of 2022, and that proved to be a good decision as the prices then were much lower than they later became.

Take a tour of spacious my hotel room at sea complete with two bedrooms, a jacuzzi on the balcony, and some of the best views from any cabin.

My suite was located on deck seventeen, which is deck reserved exclusively for suite cabins.

On this deck there are many other suites, along with the Suite Lounge and Coastal Kitchen, an exclusive restaurant for guests staying in a suite (and Pinnacles too).

The layout of this deck is a "U-shape", and we were located on the aft facing port side.

When I tapped my room key card and opened the door, I walked into the living room.

The Royal Loft Suite has two bedrooms, a dining room, and large living room. Let's start with the master bedroom.

Given that this suite has a loft configuration, there are two levels, with the master bedroom and bathroom being entirely located on the upper floor. A staircase is how you access the second floor.

There is a king size bed, tv projector, and more closet space than you can possibly use.

There is no door to the master bedroom, but there is a remote controlled curtain that completely encompasses the upper bedroom to provide privacy and darkness.

The one noticeable feature missing compared to a newer cruise ship are power or USB outlets near the bed. The closest outlets were by the office desk closer to the staircase.

The office desk has a chair, and faces the balcony so you can have a view to enjoy.

Behind the bed is where all the storage space is located. There are drawers and closets, and there seemed to be much more space than I could possibly fill.

The safe is also located in this area, long with a seating area with mirror.

The master bathroom is also enormous, with a toilet, bidet, two sinks, two showers, and a jacuzzi tub.

The showers have two adjustable heads, along with a rainforest shower. All three can be used at the same time, or one at a time.

The second bedroom is located on the main floor, near the entrance to the suite. It can sleep two people, and the beds can be separated if needed.

The second bedroom has its own door, which makes for better privacy for anyone sleeping here.

It also has its own television, along with desk and mirror.

Adjacent to the second bedroom is a full bathroom.

Each shower has upgraded shower toiletries, including shampoo, conditioner, and body wash.

In the foyer is a piano, which you can play on your own or use an autoplayer feature.

There's also a library of books you can borrow for the duration of your sailing.

In the living room, you will find chairs, ottomans, sofas, and comfortable seating.

There is also a large television in the living room.

Behind the living room is the dining room, which is a very large table to enjoy mealsdelivered by room service.

The in-room coffee maker can make a quick cup of coffee anytime you want.

Stepping onto the balcony, there are three doors you can use: two from the living room, and one from the second bedroom.

The Royal Loft Suite has a wrap-around balcony that provides views of the ocean and Sports Deck below.

There is a wet bar outside that you can use, along with another dining table with lots of seats. When having food delivered to the suite, you have the choice of dining indoors or outdoors.

There are two giant loungers on the balcony that face the sports deck.

There are also comfortable loungers that face the ocean.

The "pice de rsistance" of the Royal Loft Suite is the private jacuzzi hot tub on the balcony, which faces the ocean.

The hot tub is available day and night, and is one of very few suites to have this feature.

Another compelling feature of this suite isthe Royal Genie services, which providesVIP privileges to everyone staying in the cabin.

Of course, the Royal Loft Suite was far from cheap, but it's designed to offer one of the most luxurious accommodations you can find on Allure of the Seas.

I felt the suite delivered on the promise of a luxurious cabin for our family to enjoy on a short cruise. We prioritized spending more time in the cabin and taking advantage of what the in-room amenities, along with the Royal Genie services.

If your family wants a lot of space, the absolute best perks, and are willing to spend a lot for it, then the Royal Loft Suite is a great choice for you.

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A $7000 Suite on Royal Caribbean's Allure of the Seas Cruise - Royal Caribbean Blog

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As the Mexican Caribbean approaches its peak season, more travelers than ever are looking forward to their sun-soaked getaways.

The stunning beaches and cities that dot the region are not only consistently breaking tourism records but, according to recent data, are also growing at a remarkable pace.

Out of all the coveted destinations across the Mexican Caribbean, 3 in particular are leading the way when it comes to tourism growth.

Once an obscure beach town reserved only for locals and the most avid travelers, Tulum has now become one of Mexicos most coveted hotspots, and if recent statistics are anything to go by, this remarkable rise in popularity shows no signs of slowing down anytime soon.

All this should come as no surprise, though, seeing as Tulum truly is the ultimate beach getaway destination.

Soon, Tulum is set to be even more popular after the opening of its own international airport this December.

Between the dreamy coastline, turquoise waters, and fascinating historical landmarks, the town offers tourists the experience of a lifetime.

The famous Playa Paraiso, known for its powdery sand and crystal clear waters, truly lives up to its name.

For those more in the mood for a sightseeing excursion, the iconic Tulum Archaeological Site is not to be missed.

Perched on a cliff overlooking the Caribbean, the stunning landmark creates a unique blend of historical values and natural allure, giving visitors some insight into the long, fascinating Mayan past the region is known for.

What really sets Tulum apart from other hotspots of its kind, though, is the festive yet laid-back atmosphere that can be felt all across town.

Whether you want to stay in an eco-friendly cabana and immerse yourself in nature or party the night away in one of the areas world-famous clubs, youre sure to find exactly what youre looking for.

Just like Tulum, Playa Del Carmen has just recently emerged as one of the regions trendiest hotspots.

These past few years, in particular, the city has undergone a major infrastructural transformation in hopes of keeping tourists coming back for more clearly, these efforts have paid off.

Lately, local authorities have taken notable measures to make Playa del Carmen one of the safest destinations in all of Mexico, and the increased sense of safety is prompting tourists to flock to the area more than ever.

Travelers who come here can enjoy that perfect balance between tradition and modernity.

Whether youre looking to sunbathe in the picture-perfect beaches of Playacar and Mamitas or stroll along Fifth Avenue with its trendy boutiques and art galleries, Playa del Carmen promises to deliver an unforgettable experience.

If youre ever in the area, though, I highly recommend planning a trip to Cozumel, especially if youre a diving or snorkeling enthusiast.

Ferry rides last between 20-40 minutes and start at $15, but the views youll encounter once you get to the island are worth your time and money.

Those who want to mix up their tropical getaway with some cultural events will be thrilled to learn that Playa del Carmen has a yearly calendar filled with live performances, festivals, and art exhibitions.

The annual Riviera Maya Jazz Festival, for example, is set to take place November 24th and 25th, so try not to miss it.

The top spot is occupied by none other than Cancun, which has welcomed over 18 million visitors in the first eight months of 2023, grabbing the title of the most visited beach destination on Earth in the process.

Theres a reason why so many travelers cant seem to get enough of the iconic Mexican hotspot.

Between its world-class beaches, a wide range of accommodation options, and a legendary night scene, its easy to see why Cancun remains the top international destination for U.S. travelers.

After a long day sunbathing on the white-sanded beaches, dont forget to take advantage of the citys gorgeous hotel zone, home to some truly great restaurants thatll take foodies on a rich, delicious journey of the culinary heritage of the Yucatan Peninsula.

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These Are The Top 3 Fastest Growing Destinations In The Mexican ... - Travel Off Path

The Famine Early Warning Systems Network (FEWS NET) monitors trends in staple food prices in countries vulnerable to food insecurity. For each FEWSNET country and region, the Price Bulletin provides a set of charts showing monthly prices in the current marketing year in selected urban centers and allowing users to compare current trends with both five-year average prices, indicative of seasonal trends, and prices in the previous year.

The main staple foods produced and consumed throughout most of Central America and the Caribbean are maize, rice, and beans; the latter constituting a key source of protein for poor households. In Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras and Nicaragua white maize, mostly consumed in the form of tortillas, and red or black beans are preferred, while in Costa Rica and Panama rice dominates in production and consumption. In Haiti, the primary staples are rice, black beans, and maize.

In Central America, there are typically two main growing seasons: the Primera (April-September) during which maize is primarily produced, and the Postrera (August-December) during which bean production dominates. The Apante season (November-March) is a third growing season during which beans are produced in south-central Nicaragua, northern Guatemala, and northern Honduras. In Haiti, there are several growing seasons. Maize is produced during the Primavera season (April-September). Black beans are produced over two seasons in Haitis humid and mountainous areas. The first season spans from March to May and the second from July to October. Beans are also produced in the countrys irrigated and humid mountainous areas during a third, fall season from December to January.

White maize and beans are commonly traded between Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, Nicaragua and Costa Rica in Central America. The market in San Salvador in El Salvador is considered the most important regional market for these staple foods and is well integrated with the rest of the region; due to the high levels of commercial exchange it hosts both with regional and international markets. Other important trade hubs include Guatemala City (Guatemala), San Pedro Sula and Tegucigalpa (Honduras), Chontales and Managua (Nicaragua), San Jose (Costa Rica) and Panama City (Panama). The Dominican Republic is Haitis main source for imported maize, beans, and tubers. Haiti relies heavily on the United States for rice imports, for about 80 percent of consumption needs.

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Central America and Caribbean Price Bulletin, October 2023 ... - ReliefWeb

Focusing on social protection beneficiaries, this report explores Digital Financial inclusion. The study analyzes the financial landscape and identifies barriers and opportunities to financial inclusion.

The WFP Caribbean Multi-Country Office presents three reports exploring Digital Financial inclusion focusing on social protection beneficiaries in Dominica, St Lucia and Jamaica (forthcoming). The studies analyze the financial landscape in each country and seek to identify barriers and opportunities to financial inclusion for the most vulnerable. In each study, interviews were conducted with key stakeholders to analyse the ecosystem and supply sides of financial inclusion, while focus groups discussions were held with beneficiaries of social protection programmes to better understand the demand for digital and financial services. These studies have been published in the context of the emergence of multiple digital financial solutions across the region, digitization of some components of social protection systems, and efforts by governments, with support from WFP, to test the use of digital payment solutions for social protection payments in Jamaica, St Lucia, and Belize. Based on the research findings, these reports recommend strategies to improve the delivery of social protection payments, promote financial inclusion, enhance financial literacy, and develop user-friendly digital financial solutions in each country.

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Digital Financial Inclusion: Insights and Opportunities from the ... - ReliefWeb

A batch of showers and thunderstorms has evolved into a loosely organized tropical rainstorm that continue to bring showers and thunderstorms to Central America into early this week, with the likelihood of heavy rain and the potential for dangerous mudslides and flash flooding, AccuWeather meteorologists warn.

The system began as a tropical wave that traveled westward from the coast of Africa a couple of weeks ago and began to flare up in the past week as it entered the eastern Caribbean. However, the system did not organize enough in time to become an officially named tropical storm as it moved onshore Saturday.

Regardless of the system's status, the tropical rainstorm will cause a significant uptick in drenching showers and locally gusty thunderstorms from southern Mexico to Costa Rica and Panama with the bulk of the activity likely in Honduras, Nicaragua, Guatemala and El Salvador.

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"Even though an organized tropical system is not expected to impact Central America, the expected heavy rain combined with the rugged terrain of the region can produce life-threatening mudslides and flash flooding," AccuWeather Senior Meteorologist Bill Deger said.

Some of the downpours may soak areas hit by eastern Pacific Tropical Storm Pilar this past week. Pilar drifted eastward, producing rough seas, gusty winds and locally heavy rainfall, mainly in El Salvador, before the tropical storm turned 180 degrees and headed out to sea.

Pilar claimed the lives of at least four people, including three in El Salvadore and one in Honduras, according to the Agence France-Presse (AFP). Heavy rainfall and the risk of flash flooding from the tropical storm displaced hundreds of people in El Salvador, Honduras and Guatemala.

"It is possible that the Atlantic tropical rainstorm may survive the trip westward across Central America this weekend and could organize on the eastern Pacific side this week," AccuWeather Tropical Meteorologist Alex DaSilva said.

Should development occur on the eastern Pacific side, the next name in the queue is Ramon.

The average November produces one named tropical system in the Atlantic basin, so time is running out on the 2023 season, according to data from the National Hurricane Center (NHC).

AccuWeather meteorologists believe the Atlantic will remain quiet after the tropical rainstorm affects Central America through this week.

A vast area of wind shear will be present over the Caribbean, Gulf of Mexico and southwestern Atlantic, the primary development zone during November. Wind shear occurs when winds change direction or speed with altitude or across a horizontal plane. When wind shear is strong, it can prevent tropical development or cause a tropical storm or hurricane to weaken.

Want next-level safety, ad-free? Unlock advanced, hyperlocal severe weather alerts when you subscribe to Premium+ on the AccuWeather app. AccuWeather Alerts are prompted by our expert meteorologists who monitor and analyze dangerous weather risks 24/7 to keep you and your family safer.

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Caribbean tropical rainstorm to bring dangerous conditions to Central America - AOL