Mexico is bracing for dramatic weather changes as Cold Front 35 and a significant cold air mass sweep across the country, bringing with them intense winds, dust storms, and freezing temperatures.
According to the Servicio Meteorológico Nacional (SMN), the cold front arrived on March 14, 2025, and will traverse northern Mexico. It will interact with polar troughs and jet streams, leading to wind gusts potentially reaching up to 100 km/h, particularly affecting Chihuahua, Durango, and Coahuila. The intense weather conditions are expected to yield dust storms and even snow or sleet, especially in mountainous regions of Baja California, Chihuahua, and Sonora.
This drastic shift is not isolated; as the cold front advances, temperatures are set to drop considerably. The forecasters predict minimum temperatures of between -10 °C and -5 °C, alongside frost occurring particularly in the mountainous areas of Baja California, Chihuahua, and Durango. Meanwhile, parts of the southern states will experience extreme heat, with maximum temperatures predicted to reach 40 to 45 °C across regions such as Nuevo León, Tamaulipas, San Luis Potosí, and others.
On March 14, strong winds are anticipated to set off warnings about potential wildfires due to the combination of high winds and very dry conditions across the northern territories. Additional concerns point to surada winds, which typically come from the south, cultivating even stronger gusts of up to 80 km/h along the Gulf of Mexico coast and southeastern Mexico.
By March 15 and onwards, Cold Front 35 will continue to alter conditions across the northeast, where it will remain active alongside additional masses of cold air, creating the likelihood of strong northerly winds and cooler temperatures.
Areas set to feel the effects of this unpredictable weather include regions such as Saltillo, which, according to forecasts, will experience temperatures dipping to 8 °C during the nights and climbing to 26 °C during the days over the weekend. This stark temperature variation is reflective of the broader climatic impact across Mexico.
The forecast highlights two weather extremes currently battling across Mexico: Cold Front 35 bringing frigid air and possible snowfall, and the sustained wave of heat affecting the southern states. This unusual juxtaposition of conditions has drawn the attention of Mexican meteorologists, emphasizing the need for precautions against both heat-related and cold weather issues.
Particular attention is being paid to outdoor conditions as wind gusts can pose significant hazards, from property damage to increased wildfire risks. Residents across affected regions are urged to secure loose belongings, refrain from outdoor activities during extreme conditions, and remain vigilant about potential weather warnings on local news channels.
Although some areas brace for cold and snow, much of Mexico is also experiencing extremes of heat, making it tremendously challenging for farmers, authorities, and healthcare providers to manage the ramifications on crops and public health during these dual weather phenomena.
The Ministry of Agriculture has issued advisories to farmers to prepare for potential frost impacts on crops, particularly those situated at higher elevations which may experience severe frost damage due to potential freezing temperatures.
Moving forward, meteorologists will closely monitor the developments of Cold Front 35 as it interacts with existing weather patterns, setting the stage for potential severe weather events and emphasizing the importance of preparation and response strategies across the nation's vast, diverse climates.
With these fluctuative weather conditions, residents are encouraged to stay updated with regular forecasts. Adhering to safety protocols, including layering clothing and preparing homes for below-zero temperatures, is recommended to maintain well-being amid these disparate climatic challenges.
Safety measures include dressing appropriately for the cold, ensuring homes are prepared with functional heating systems, and being cautious of icy roads—particularly where snowfall is forecast. School and outdoor events may also be adjusted based on heightened weather warnings.
Overall, the current weather prospects call for vigilance and adaptive responses from both the societies affected by the cold front and those many miles away feeling the heat. This report will be updated as forecasts evolve and new data from the SMN becomes available, keeping the public informed about what lies ahead.