The north-eastern coastal areas of the Yucatan Peninsula were battered on 22-23 September by Hurricane “Isidore’s” heavy rains and high speed winds. Thousands have been evacuated into temporary shelters as a consequence of high level coastal flooding. No assessment of damage has yet been made available. In the last days of August and first half of September light to moderate rains in the southern maize producing areas benefited the developing spring/summer crop, previously affected by dry weather at planting. Normal to abundant rains were also reported in the southeastern parts, and in Veracruz and Yucatan, greatly improving prospects for maize and other crops. As a consequence of the earlier dry weather and delayed planting, the area planted to maize is provisionally estimated to be somewhat below that of 2001. Harvesting is due to start from late September and early production forecasts point to about 18.8 million tonnes which compares to the 5-year average of 18.3 million tonnes. Harvesting of the 2002 winter sorghum crop (mostly planted in January/February) has been completed. Heavy rains in early September across north-eastern areas have benefited development of the spring/summer crop. Total output for the year is tentatively forecast at 6.9 million tonnes, close to the above-average output of 2001.
Land is being prepared for planting of the 2002/03 wheat winter crop in the irrigated areas of the northwest. Recent storm rains have helped replenish water reservoir levels, which were reported at below-normal levels.