Mexico is bracing for Cold Front 28, which is expected to bring significant weather changes across the country. The National Meteorological Service (SMN) has issued warnings for intense rains and strong winds, with specific forecasts indicating the most affected states will be Veracruz, Chiapas, Campeche, and Quintana Roo. This cold front, interacting with low-pressure areas, is anticipated to result in heavy downpours alongside temperatures swinging from warm to freezing.
Cold Front 28 is reportedly stationary over the Gulf of Mexico, bringing heavy rain to the southern regions. The SMN forecasts indicate some areas could receive very strong rainfall of between 50 to 75 mm, particularly affecting southern Veracruz, Chiapas, Campeche, and Quintana Roo. Other regions, such as Tabasco and Yucatán, are also expected to see significant rain, ranging from 25 to 50 mm. Less severe showers, between 5 to 25 mm, are forecast for states including Tamaulipas, Guanajuato, and Puebla.
The cold front is expected to maintain its strength, pushing over the coastlines and causing gusty winds of up to 80 km/h, especially along the Isthmus and Gulf of Tehuantepec and parts of Tamaulipas and Veracruz. Residents are advised to take precautions due to potentially hazardous conditions including flooding and mudslides. “Continues to be arctic air modifying its thermal characteristics, yet still generating north component winds,” noted the SMN.
Despite these rains, the SMN also warns of intense heat persisting across certain areas, particularly along the Pacific states where temperatures are projected to exceed 35°C from Sinaloa to Oaxaca. Regions like Nayarit, Jalisco, Michoacán, Guerrero, and Chiapas will experience maximum temperatures ranging from 35 to 40°C. Meanwhile, some mountainous areas, especially Durango and Chihuahua, may face minimum temperatures plunging between -15 to -10°C.
The varied climate has sparked concern especially for highland areas where snow and sleet may occur at elevations such as Pico de Orizaba and Popocatépetl. While the Pacific remains warm, the mixture of weather elements carries the potential for thunderstorms and lighting, leading the SMN to express vigilance over expected storms throughout the country.
Warnings of high waves are also on the horizon with expectations of swells reaching 1 to 3 meters, particularly alarming for maritime navigation. The SMN states, “We recommend extreme caution to prevent risks from elevated waves and strong winds.” This caution extends to emergency responders and residents living near riverbanks where the likelihood of flooding could increase sharply.
Today's weather predictions dictate the need for flexibility and readiness, as meteorological phenomena remain unpredictable. Residents across the affected states should remain alert for rain alerts, strong wind warnings, and follow guidance from the SMN on protective measures against the elements. The current weather patterns exemplify the diversity of climate conditions sweeping through Mexico this weekend, reminding citizens to stay safe through these turbulent circumstances.
While Mexico typically experiences fluctuations between warm winters and chilly nights, the arrival of Cold Front 28 marks a notable shift, demonstrating the broader impacts of weather systems tied to larger climatic patterns. Therefore, keeping informed through reliable forecasts and adhering to safety protocols is more important than ever as the nation copes with the abrupt changes brought on by this formidable weather system.