Oaxaca, Mexico — Dangerous marine conditions are expected to intensify across portions of the eastern Pacific offshore waters of southern Mexico, as a Gale Warning remains in effect for the Gulf of Tehuantepec and nearby offshore zones.
According to the National Weather Service National Hurricane Center, northerly to northeasterly winds will strengthen beginning Wednesday night, increasing to 30 to 40 knots north of 14°N, with gale conditions expanding southward into offshore Oaxaca and Chiapas waters. Seas are forecast to rapidly build, reaching 10 to 15 feet Thursday, then peaking at 11 to 17 feet Thursday night in strong north to northeast swell.
The most severe conditions are expected Thursday night through Saturday, when prolonged gale-force winds will generate steep, hazardous seas across major offshore transit corridors including the Gulf of Tehuantepec, waters east of Puerto Ángel, and areas west of 94W and 93W longitude. Wave periods of 10 to 17 seconds indicate powerful swell capable of impacting even larger commercial vessels.
Additional gale conditions are possible offshore of Chiapas, particularly west of 93.5W, where winds of 25 to 35 knots and seas up to 13 feet are forecast late Thursday into Friday. Conditions gradually improve over the weekend, though rough seas of 7 to 11 feet may persist into Sunday.
These conditions pose a serious risk of capsizing, vessel damage, and crew injury, with reduced maneuverability and dangerous deck conditions. Smaller fishing vessels and regional transport craft are especially vulnerable.
Mariners are strongly advised to remain in port, delay departures, or reroute away from gale-affected zones. Operations near exposed offshore routes should be postponed until seas subside.
The National Hurricane Center emphasizes that Gale Warnings indicate life-threatening marine hazards.
Mariners should continue to monitor updates at weather.gov/marine and nhc.noaa.gov for evolving warnings and forecast changes.
