As Eye See It: Rainy Season Drawing To A Close As Record Amounts Fill Reservoirs All Over México

By Bill Wilson

“A smile can be your umbrella on a rainy day" — Old proverb.

You don’t need to be a weatherman to know that this has been one of the wettest years in San Miguel de Allende. The Mexican Weather Bureau (The Servicio Meteorológico Nacional, SMN or National Meteorological Service) proclaimed that June 2025 was the wettest June since 1941 when SMN began keeping official records.

The national average for June 2025, was 6.21 inches (157.73 mm) and here is San Miguel our total was 7.41 inches (188.21 mm). This was significantly more than last year’s in San Miguel and national averages. So far here in town the rainy season (since June) stands at 28.67 inches (728.21 mm) and for September (as of publication date) we have 5.64 inches (143.25 mm). From January to May a total of 6.55 inches (166.37 mm) fell leaving us with an annual rain fall a record 35.22 inches or 894.58 mm.

The SMN generally defines the rainy season from June to mid-October which pretty much coincides with the hurricane season. However, both the Atlantic and Pacific hurricane seasons end in November.

There’s a saying we hear here in San Miguel about the rain. “Por la milpa.”

For the crops and it’s important. If you look up at our mountains you can see that they have been painted with a lush green provided by Mother Nature. Of course, there’s a downside to this abundance of rain. We have had severe flooding throughout México and some rains in August that closed México City’s airport. Some plant life has been injured by the rain plus a few hailstorms devastated some gardens. One plus is the reservoir capacity. In Guanajuato state, it’s been reported that they are above 80 percent capacity. Just a point on collecting weather data. We have had two weather stations (actually three but one was destroyed in a storm)—one a David Weather Pro mounted on the roof (this station was originally in Guadiana) and the other mounted on back garden patio. The station identifier is ISMAI1 and can be used to obtain streaming weather data via Ambient Weather Net and Weather Underground. Additionally, we compare data from the station at Ranchito Don Carlos near Jalpa.

BITS AND PIECES

Hot off the Presses: México is home to America’s first printing press. In México City’s centro is Casa de la Primera Imprenta de America, home of the first printing press on this side of the Atlantic. You can have a gander at the press. It’s located in a building owned by Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana (UAM).

Whale Watching: You can spot hundreds of grey whales in Baja California. Here’s something about México’s west coast. Baja California is one of the world’s best whale watching spots (and also some of the best beaches in México). Each winter, hundreds of grey whales migrate to the warm, sheltered bays of Baja California to breed and give birth. It’s one of the best places to see whales up close.

Iconic House: Frida Kahlo’s blue house is one of México’smost visited museums.

Located in Coyoacán (a beautiful neighborhood in México City it’s worth visiting), La Casa Azul is where Frida was born, lived most of her life, and eventually died. It has become the Frida Kahlo Museum. The museum holds her personal belongings, art, and photos. A true cultural landmark in México and a pilgrimage site for art lovers around the world.

Who’s bigger: Is México City bigger than New York City? Si!

In terms of population, México City is bigger than NYC. Its metro area is home to over 21 million people, making it the largest Spanish-speaking city in the world and one of the most populated cities globally.

Tip of the Hat

Kudos in order for the tránsitos and other police and rescue elements for handling traffic during all our fiestas and this rainy season.

Speaking of rain, bravo to SAPASMA, our water company, perhaps the hardest working employees keeping water supply going.

A mil gracias to all the restaurants, waiters, cooks, and support staff who hustle and provide us with interesting meals.

A raspberry to folks who continue to drive too fast for conditions.

¡Hasta el próximo mes!

Bill Wilson is a 20-year San Miguel resident, has a journalism, publicand government affairs career spanning 50 years covering everything from the UN to Cub Scout news. He’s also a ham radio op, weather observer and first responder.