On this Monday, March 17, 2025, countries across Central America are bracing for significant changes to their weather systems as multiple cold fronts make their way through the region, bringing cooler temperatures and rain.
According to the National Weather Service, cold Front number 35 will be situated over the Caribbean Sea, but its accompanying mass of cold air will produce heavy rainfall and cooler daytime temperatures particularly affecting southeastern Mexico. Reports indicate heavy rains could lead to flooding, alongside risks for landslides and swollen rivers, especially in Chiapas.
Continuing to the north, Honduras has declared a green alert for 48 hours due to projected rainfall and decreased temperatures caused by the same cold front. The alert, effective from 6 AM local time, encompasses the departments of Cortés, Atlántida, Colón, and Islas de la Bahía. Extremely heavy rainfall is anticipated, particularly affecting the northern regions, as the cold air mass from the southeastern United States interacts with local weather systems.
The Directorate of Meteorology and Hydrology's Eduardo Mingo also shared insights on the weather conditions for Paraguay. Mingo noted this week is the transition to autumn, which officially begins on March 21. Early signs of this seasonal shift can be felt starting Monday night, with light rains expected and slight drops in temperature anticipated.
“We will see cooler evenings and some light rains particularly between tonight and tomorrow morning,” Mingo explained, highlighting how preparations for the forthcoming autumn may begin with unseasonably warm temperatures preceding the change. By mid-week, temperatures are forecasted to rise again, with the potential for another significant cold front gripping the country by the following Monday.
Meanwhile, Guatemala is not exempt from the expected climatic shifts. A new cold front is anticipated to enter the region during the early morning of March 17, significantly impacting temperatures and weather conditions throughout the country. Weather authorities have issued warnings for residents to take precautions as the cold front will particularly influence the northern areas, resulting in brief but intense northerly winds accompanied by increased rainfall.
Residents near San Marcos, Huehuetenango, and Quetzaltenango should brace for the lowest expected temperatures as conditions will transition until March 18. The rain is forecasted to increase, especially near the border with Mexico toward Petén, underscoring the need for caution when traversing affected regions.
Conditions are similar along the Atlantic coast, where small craft advisories have been issued due to rising winds and the likelihood of dangerous maritime conditions as gusts may reach as high as 30 mph. Sailors and recreational boating enthusiasts alike have been advised to stay alert to the changing weather, particularly with the elevated risks of rip currents along the shoreline.
For those residing along the Atlantic beaches, the risks associated with the weather extend beyond strong winds. A red flag warning has been implemented until 7 PM this Monday, citing conditions conducive to wildfires due to low humidity and elevated temperatures.
By Tuesday, March 18, as the fronts pass through, cooler temperatures will dominate the early hours, with the drop reaching 50°F overnight. Even as temperatures fall, the afternoon is forecasted to bring moderate warmth returning to 80°F through the region, with wind gusts remaining impactful.
Looking forward to later this week, more dynamic changes are set to occur, including another approaching cold front expected to enter by March 24. With varied weather on the horizon, meteorologists advise vigilance and preparation for fluctuants, especially around times when cold fronts are predicted to change weather patterns.
Individuals are encouraged to stay tuned to their local weather reports and utilize official updates to keep apprised of the effects from these transitions. The situation remains fluid as both towns and cities across Central America prepare to brace against the combined influences of these weather systems.
