PUERTO ÁNGEL, Mexico – A powerful Gale Warning is in effect for the Gulf of Tehuantepec and adjacent offshore waters east of Oaxaca, where dangerous northerly winds and steep seas are expected through at least Tuesday, according to the National Hurricane Center in Miami.
Winds will strengthen rapidly Sunday evening, reaching sustained speeds of 30 to 35 knots (35 to 40 mph) with higher gusts north of 14°N. Seas will build to 10 to 16 feet in mixed north and southwest swells, creating treacherous marine conditions for small vessels and cargo traffic transiting the region. The NHC reports that the strongest winds will occur late Sunday night through early Tuesday, gradually easing midweek.
These Tehuantepec gap winds—common in fall and winter—are being driven by cooler, dense air funneling south through the Isthmus of Tehuantepec. Mariners are urged to remain in port or reroute well offshore until conditions improve. Coastal residents should avoid beaches with large surf or strong rip currents through midweek.
By Wednesday, winds are forecast to diminish below gale strength, with seas slowly subsiding to 6 to 8 feet. Calmer weather is likely by Thursday as high pressure shifts east and the swell decays.
