‘Gulf of America’ Mention Raises Eyebrows in Belize Weather Forecast

Listeners tuning in to this morning’s national weather forecast may have done a double-take when the National Meteorological Service of Belize used the term ‘Gulf of America’, a notable shift from the more familiar ‘Gulf of Mexico’.

News Five reached out for clarification, and a representative from the Met Service explained that the phrase was likely read directly from materials provided by the National Hurricane Center in Miami. Locally, the department typically refers to the area as “the Gulf” or the “North Atlantic basin”. Adding that there is no internal policy directing the use of the term “Gulf of America”, and that any naming preference would fall under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Belize.

The term “Gulf of America” has gained some traction in the United States following an executive order signed earlier this year by President Donald Trump, directing federal agencies to adopt the name in official communications. Internationally, though, the change has not been recognised.

Mexico, Caribbean nations, and global organisations continue to use “Gulf of Mexico”. Some digital platforms, including Google Maps, now display “Gulf of America” for U.S.-based users, while Mexican users still see “Gulf of Mexico.” Most international maps and weather services retain the traditional name.