Current Weather in PuertoCarreño

Colombia is located directly on the equator and, due to its elevation differences and diverse terrain, a wide range of climatic zones coexists, from tropical rainforest climate to alpine climate. As a result, there is a deep awareness of weather in people's lives, traditional events, and agriculture.

Elevation Differences and Climate Diversity

Understanding Geographic Features

• The elevation differences of the Andes Mountains (from sea level to 5,700m) create cold areas and tropical areas within the same country.
• There are specific terms for different elevations such as "Tierra Caliente," "Tierra Templada," and "Tierra Fría," with clear distinctions in habitation.
• People are constantly aware of temperature and precipitation changes due to topography, adapting their clothing and housing structures accordingly.

Coffee Culture and Weather Awareness

Relationship Between Cultivation and Weather

• In major production areas like Antioquia and Caldas, rainfall during the rainy season (April-May, October-November) directly affects quality.
• Farmers adjust harvesting times based on weather data and share optimal drying and storage methods.
• Coffee festivals include a program featuring a "weather outlook for the harvest season" presented by meteorologists.

Carnival and Seasonal Events

Harmony with Rainy and Dry Seasons

• The Cartagena summer carnival (late January to early February) is held in line with the dry season, expecting sunny weather.
• Cali's Feria (late December) is scheduled for a time of low precipitation, making outdoor parades successful.
• In highland cities like Manizales, there is a custom to concentrate outdoor events before the onset of the rainy season.

Indigenous Weather Knowledge

Traditional Prediction and Natural Observation

• Indigenous people in the Amazon region predict the arrival of the rainy season by observing behavioral changes in plants and animals (e.g., fish migration, bird calls).
• Decisions about "harvest season" and "hunting season" are based on observations of coca leaves and the timing of fog emergence.
• Rain prayers and harvest blessings at ceremonial sites continue to be practiced in local communities today.

Urban Life and Weather Adaptation

Disaster Prevention and Comfort Orientation of Urban Residents

• In the capital city Bogotá, layering clothing as a response to morning and evening chills has become commonplace.
• Medellín, known as the "City of Eternal Spring," takes advantage of an average annual temperature of around 22°C, leading to the development of an open café culture.
• In large cities, the utilization rate of weather apps on smartphones is high, allowing for immediate responses to sudden thunderstorms and flood warnings.

Summary

Colombia's climate awareness is characterized by the skillful incorporation of regional natural conditions into life and culture, where weather data and traditional knowledge are fused across multiple areas such as agriculture, tourism, and disaster prevention.