Belize's Breezy Secrets: Unveiling The Trade Winds' Legacy

Belize is a country on the north-eastern coast of Central America, with a subtropical climate. The winds in Belize are known as 'nortes', strong northerly winds that blow from November to February. Nortes bring cooler temperatures and occasional thick clouds, causing some of the lowest temperatures of the year. The dry season in Belize typically lasts from December to May, with the wet season running from June to November. Nortes can provide a welcome break from the heat and humidity that characterise the wet season, so while they may be strong, they are not all bad!

The winds in Belize are part of its subtropical climate, with a dry season from February to May and a wet season from June to November

Belize is a small Central American country with a subtropical climate. It has two distinct seasons: a dry season from February to May, and a wet season from June to November. The dry season is characterised by warm to hot temperatures, sunny days, cooling trade winds, and little rain. The wet season, also known as the rainy or hurricane season, is characterised by warm temperatures and brief but sometimes intense rainfall.

The average yearly temperature in Belize is around 74–84 °F (22–29 °C), with the coolest months being November to January (around 75 °F/24 °C) and the warmest being May to September (around 81 °F/27 °C). The temperature varies across the country, with the coast being warmer (around 81 °F/27 °C) and the hills being cooler (around 69 °F/21 °C). The southern regions are generally hotter and wetter than the northern regions, with annual rainfall ranging from 1,350 mm in the north and west to over 4,500 mm in the extreme south.

The winds in Belize are part of its subtropical climate, contributing to the comfortable temperatures and pleasant weather that make it a popular tourist destination. The trade winds that blow along the coast, cayes, and reef most of the year help to keep temperatures pleasant and moderate the humidity, which hovers around 85%. These winds are also responsible for the cooling effect felt during the dry season when rain falls in short bursts.

Belize's location on the Caribbean coast of Central America, its topography, and its proximity to the Caribbean Sea and the Gulf of Mexico all influence its climate and wind patterns. The northeast trade winds off the Caribbean affect temperature and humidity, while the Caribbean Sea provides a source of moisture for the rainfall during the wet season. The topography, including the Maya Mountains and the northern lowlands, also plays a role in creating variations in temperature and rainfall across the country.

In addition to its subtropical climate, Belize is known for its diverse ecosystems, including mangrove swamps, hills, low mountains, rainforests, and the Belize Barrier Reef, the second-longest in the world. This combination of climate and geography makes Belize a popular destination for tourists seeking a warm and comfortable climate with plenty of outdoor activities to enjoy.

The winds are influenced by the country's topography, with coastal areas experiencing more rain and higher temperatures than the inland hills

Belize's topography influences its winds, with temperature and rainfall varying between its coastal areas and inland hills. The country's climate is tropical, with a rainy season from June to November and a dry season from January to May. The coastal regions have an average temperature range of 24°C to 27°C, while the inland hills are slightly warmer. The southern highland plateaus, such as the Mountain Pine Ridge, are noticeably cooler year-round.

Belize's landscape can be divided into two main physiographic regions. The first is distinguished by the Maya Mountains, which dominate the southern half of the country. The mountains rise to heights of about 1,100 metres, with the highest point being Doyle's Delight at 1,124 metres. The second region comprises the northern lowlands and the southern coastal plain, which are drained by eighteen major rivers and many perennial streams.

The coastline of Belize is flat and swampy, with many lagoons, especially in the northern and central parts of the country. The terrain changes from mangrove swamps to tropical pine savannas and hardwood forests as one moves inland from the northern coastal areas. The country's largest lake, the New River Lagoon, covers approximately 13.5 square kilometres.

The average rainfall in Belize varies from 1,350 millimetres in the north and west to over 4,500 millimetres in the extreme south. The southern coast experiences a period of reduced rainfall, known locally as the "little dry," which usually occurs in late July or August after the onset of the rainy season.

The winds in Belize are also influenced by its location in the Caribbean, with northeast trade winds off the Caribbean affecting temperature and humidity. The country's position in the hurricane belt makes it vulnerable to hurricanes during the late Atlantic hurricane season, typically from September to December.

The winds bring rainfall that varies across the country, with the southern coast receiving over 4500 mm of rain annually, while the northern and western regions receive around 1350 mm

Belize is a country in Central America, with Mexico to its north, Guatemala to its west and south, and the Caribbean Sea to its east. The winds in Belize are influenced by cold fronts that progress southeastward from the US into the Northwest Caribbean. The winds also bring rainfall that varies across the country. The southern coast, including the districts of Stann Creek and Toledo, receives over 4500 mm of rain annually. On the other hand, the northern and western regions, including the districts of Corozal, Orange Walk, and Cayo, receive around 1350 mm of rain per year.

The country's weather is characterised by two seasons: a rainy season and a dry season. The rainy season, which usually starts in May or June, brings the majority of the year's rainfall. During this time, tropical waves and occasional tropical cyclones contribute to the high precipitation levels. The transition from the dry to the rainy season is very sharp, and the onset of the rainy season is marked by two consecutive days of significant rainfall accumulation.

The dry season in Belize typically lasts from February to April or May and is characterised by lower rainfall levels. This period can be further divided into a cool transition period from November to February and a warm, dry period from March to May. The dry season is influenced by strong anticyclones in the Atlantic, which create a stable and windy south-easterly airflow over the region.

The annual rainfall in Belize can vary significantly, ranging from 1350 mm in the north and west to over 4500 mm in the extreme south. This variation in rainfall results in diverse ecosystems across the country, with swampy coastal plains in the north and hills and low mountains in the south and interior.

The winds and weather patterns in Belize play a crucial role in shaping the country's climate and ecosystems, contributing to the lush biodiversity that Belize is known for.

The winds can also bring hurricanes during the September to December North American hurricane season, which have historically caused devastation in Belize

Belize is located on the northeastern coast of Central America, with a coastline on the Caribbean Sea. The country is bordered by Mexico to the north and Guatemala to the west and south. It also shares a water boundary with Honduras to the southeast.

Belize experiences hurricanes during the North American hurricane season, which typically lasts from early June to late November. However, hurricanes can also occur outside of this season, and the country is generally considered to be in a hurricane zone. On average, hurricanes occur about seven times a year in Belize, but they often do not make landfall and turn northward beforehand. The most affected regions are Belize and Corozal.

The winds in Belize can bring hurricanes that have historically caused devastation in the country. The country's low-lying coastal areas, including popular tourist destinations such as San Pedro on Ambergris Caye, Caye Caulker, and Placencia, are particularly vulnerable to hurricane damage. In the past, major hurricanes have caused extensive damage, serious injuries, and deaths in Belize.

One of the deadliest hurricanes in Belize's history occurred in 1931 when a Category 4 hurricane struck Belize City, killing an estimated 1,000 to 2,5000 people. In 1955, Hurricane Janet, a Category 5 hurricane, levelled the northern town of Corozal. And in 1961, Hurricane Hattie struck the central coastal area of the country, leading to the relocation of the capital from Belize City to Belmopan, about 80 kilometres (50 miles) inland.

More recently, in 2000, Hurricane Keith, a Category 4 storm, caused 19 deaths and at least $280 million in damage. And in 2001, Hurricane Iris, another Category 4 hurricane, made landfall in Monkey River Town, resulting in 24 deaths and $250 million in damage. The banana, rice, and corn crops were also severely impacted, with thousands of acres destroyed.

In 2007, Hurricane Dean made landfall just north of Belize, bringing strong winds, rain, and storm surges. While the initial damage in Corozal Town was less than expected, the storm severely impacted the crop industry, with millions of dollars worth of papaya and sugar damaged.

Belize's hurricane season coincides with the Atlantic hurricane season, which officially runs from June 1 to November 30 each year. The most active period for tropical storms is typically from the end of August through mid-October. While hurricanes do not frequently make landfall in Belize, when they do, they can cause significant destruction.

The winds are influenced by the northeast trade winds off the Caribbean Sea, which affect temperature and humidity

Belize is bordered by Mexico to the north, Guatemala to the west and south, and the Caribbean Sea to the east. The winds in Belize are influenced by the northeast trade winds off the Caribbean Sea, which affect both temperature and humidity.

Belize's climate is subtropical, which means that, unlike tropical regions, it does experience winter months with slightly cooler average temperatures than during the summer. The coolest months are November to January, with average temperatures of around 24°C (75°F), while the warmest months are May to September, with average temperatures of 27°C (81°F). The average yearly temperature is about 74°F, with temperatures ranging from around 50°F to 95°F throughout the year.

The effect of the trade winds is that the coast experiences hotter and more humid weather, while the inland areas, particularly the southwest plateau, are generally more temperate. The further south you go in Belize, the higher the heat and rainfall. The coastal variation is such that the dry season is from February to April on the coast, but it can extend from January to May in the hills. The southern coast experiences what is known locally as the "little dry" in July and August, with a moderation in precipitation.

The annual rainfall in Belize ranges from 1350 mm (approximately 53 inches) in the north and west to over 4500 mm (approximately 175 inches) in the extreme south. The difference in precipitation between the northern and southern areas can be drastic, with the mean annual rainfall being around 60 inches in the north and 160 inches in the south.

The trade winds off the Caribbean Sea keep the coastal temperatures pleasant, and the ocean breezes provide some relief from the heat. Even in winter (November to March), temperatures in Belize rarely fall below 60°F (16°C). The summer months (May to September) have average temperatures of around 86°F (30°C), with humidity remaining fairly consistent at around 85%.

Belize has two distinct seasons: the dry season, which typically occurs from December to May, and the wet season, which runs from June to November. The dry season is characterised by warm to hot temperatures, sunny days, cooling trade winds, and little rain. Nortes, or strong northerly winds, can blow from December to February. From March to April, the weather is idyllic, with little rain, pleasant temperatures, and calm, clear water.

The wet season in Belize is also known as the green season or the low season, and it is characterised by warm temperatures and brief but sometimes intense rainfall. The rainforest and wildlife flourish during this time, with trees and flowers blooming. The wettest months are September and October, and the rainfall can vary considerably by region. Southern Belize can receive more than 150 inches of rain per year, while the north rarely receives more than 50 inches.

Overall, the seasons in Belize are marked more by differences in humidity and rainfall than in temperature. The trade winds off the Caribbean Sea play a crucial role in shaping the climate and weather patterns of the country, influencing both temperature and humidity levels.

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