The arrival of Cold Front 29 is causing significant weather changes across Mexico, particularly as low temperatures, strong winds, and heavy rain are expected over the coming days. According to the National Water Commission (CONAGUA), this front, identified as the 29th of the cold front season for 2025, is set to impact the northern border of Mexico tonight, February 26, bringing temperatures as low as -15 degrees Celsius in certain areas.
For this week, forecasts indicate the onset of widespread adverse weather conditions, starting with rainfall and winds. A low-pressure channel hovering over southeastern Mexico, combined with humid air from the Pacific Ocean and Caribbean Sea, is likely to lead to scattered showers particularly in Chiapas, and isolated rain across Guerrero and Oaxaca. Simultaneously, the foreseen cold front will result in winds gusting as high as 70 km/h across northern states like Chihuahua and Coahuila, enhancing the risk of dust storms (tolvaneras).
On Thursday, February 27, Cold Front 29 will gradually move over the northeast, east, and southeast of the nation. This shift will bring heavier rainfall expected especially affecting Puebla, Veracruz, Oaxaca, and Chiapas, with significant downpours on the cards. The probability of isolated thunderstorms will also increase across central Mexico.
Starting from Friday, the mass of cold air associated with the front will trigger notable temperature decreases primarily across the northern, northeastern, and eastern regions of Mexico, bringing about yet another ‘Norte’ event with potent winds affecting Tamaulipas and Veracruz, as well as the Isthmus and Gulf of Tehuantepec.
The impacts of Cold Front 29 are particularly severe for mountainous regions where minimum temperatures are expected to plummet:
- Durango: -15 to -10 degrees Celsius
- Chihuahua: -10 to -5 degrees Celsius
- Baja California, Aguascalientes, Hidalgo, State of Mexico, Tlaxcala, and Puebla: -5 to 0 degrees Celsius
- Sonora, Sinaloa, San Luis Potosí, Jalisco, Michoacán, Guanajuato, Querétaro, Mexico City, Morelos, Veracruz, and Oaxaca: 0 to 5 degrees Celsius
Additional forecasts predicts temperatures may soar well above 30 degrees Celsius from southern states as well, with maximum temperatures set to reach 40 degrees Celsius across Michoacán, Guerrero, and other coastal areas.
CONAGUA has also issued warnings about potential hazards linked with the approaching cold front, including the likelihood of significant rain leading to increased river and creek levels, as well as possible landslides, flooding, and downed trees due to high winds.
People have been advised to remain vigilant, particularly those residing within the affected areas, to secure loose outdoor items and exercise caution when driving during the turbulent weather.
The National Meteorological Service (SMN) has clarified the nature of cold fronts, explaining they emerge as the boundary between cold and warm air masses, with the heavier cold air forcing warm air to rise, usually resulting in cloudy, stormy weather, including rain or even snow under certain conditions.
Overall, as the Winter 2024-2025 season is expected to encompass around 48 cold fronts, this marks the 29th such event encountered so far. The increased frequency of these systems through February suggests continued vigilance for weather-related emergencies is warranted through these colder months.
With these conditions prevalent, it is prudent for residents and local authorities alike to remain aware of weather forecasts and emergency advisories issued by government agencies.