Sixteen municipalities in Guatemala are under observation due to falling temperatures, according to the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Food (MAGA). The monitoring is being carried out through the Strategic Agricultural Information Center, which is part of the Directorate of Geographic, Strategic Information and Risk Management (DIGEGR).
The center bases its work on forecasts from the National Institute of Seismology, Volcanology, Meteorology and Hydrology (INSIVUMEH), which indicate that temperatures could drop below 5 degrees Celsius. The regions most at risk include the Central Highlands, Western Highlands, and Eastern Valleys. Municipalities under surveillance are located in the departments of Huehuetenango, San Marcos, Sololá, and Totonicapán.
MAGA has issued recommendations for producers to help protect livestock and crops during this period. "MAGA recommends that producers avoid sudden changes in feeding or prolonged transportation of livestock, as well as monitor for signs of cold stress such as shivering or stiffness. In the case of crops, it is suggested to use drip or micro-sprinkler irrigation systems to optimize available water use and avoid excessive pesticide application that may weaken plants."
INSIVUMEH's report also predicts northern winds with gusts between 40 and 50 km/h and rainfall associated with a cold front. Significant precipitation is expected in the Northern Transversal Strip, Petén, and Caribbean regions.
"MAGA reaffirms its commitment to support producers throughout the country by providing timely information for preventing damage to agricultural and livestock production," stated MAGA.
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