MÉXICO - A significant weather shift is underway as Cold Front Number 25 sweeps across Mexico, impacting various regions with extreme cold, snow, and strong winds. The forecast for January 26, 2025, indicates dangerously low temperatures, particularly affecting the northern territories of Chihuahua and Durango.
The cold front is being linked to mid and high-level cyclonic circulation interacting with polar and subtropical jet streams, along with a low-pressure channel over northeastern Mexico. This combination is setting the stage for adverse weather conditions across the nation.
Rainfall is predicted across several states including Baja California, Veracruz, Oaxaca, and Chiapas. Isolated showers may occur as well, extending to Coahuila, Nuevo León, Tamaulipas, Michoacán, and others. Notably, snowfall or sleet is expected to fall on the Sierra de Juárez and San Pedro Mártir ranges due to the prevalent cold temperatures and moisture levels.
Temperature forecasts show alarming lows: mountainous regions of Chihuahua and Durango could see drops to between -10°C and -5°C, with intense frost warnings. Similarly, areas of Baja California and Sonora may also experience frigid temperatures ranging between -5°C to 0°C. Meanwhile, the southern and western parts of the country will witness temperatures soaring to 35°C to 40°C as the extreme cold affects the northern areas.
Wind advisories have been issued as strong gusts are anticipated: winds from the north reaching 30 to 40 km/h, with sporadic gusts soaring to between 60 km/h and 80 km/h. This will provoke additional dangers such as dust storms, particularly affecting visibility across Baja California, Sonora, Chihuahua, and Durango. Surf conditions are also slated to worsen, with meter-high waves predicted along Baja California's coasts and the Gulf of Tehuantepec, prompting warnings for maritime activities.
Summing up the key meteorological predictions for January 26, 2025:
- Rain: Showers expected mainly in Baja California, Veracruz, Oaxaca, and Chiapas; alongside isolated rain showers across several other states.
- Minimum temperatures: Anticipated ranges between -10°C to -5°C in the mountainous areas of Chihuahua and Durango; and 0°C to -5°C across Baja California and Sonora.
- Maximum temperatures: Reaching highs of 35°C to 40°C across southern states like Sinaloa and Guerrero, contrasting sharply with freezing northern regions.
- Wind: Expected gusts of up to 80 km/h across the Isthmus and Gulf of Tehuantepec, with dust storms impacting visibility.
- Wave forecasts: Surf heights of 1 to 3 meters predicted for various coastal entities.
Authorities urge the public to take necessary precautions as the cold front is expected to linger, raising the risk of frostbite and other weather-related hazards. Weather officials interpolate the cold front’s effects to continue until at least Wednesday following the winter event.
Looking forward to early January 27, the State Coordination of Civil Protection has advised individuals living or working near affected areas to stay updated with forecasts and adhere to safety guidelines due to the severe drop-off of temperatures.
Resistance against such extreme temperatures alongside severe winds will be key for residents across Mexico. The nation is bracing itself as Cold Front Number 25 spreads its icy grasp, reminding everyone of the forceful and unpredictable nature of winter systems.