Monterrey, NL – This Wednesday, the capital city of Nuevo León woke up to overcast skies and a temperature of 14°C. The forecast predicts highs of 13°C and lows dropping to 5°C. The National Meteorological Service has issued an alert for the arrival of cold front number 28, which will bring strong gusts of wind reaching up to 27 km/h and a drop in temperatures during the early morning hours of Thursday.
Throughout the day on February 19, sky coverage is expected to remain mostly cloudy, with the possibility of sunshine later, as cold conditions are forecasted to persist over the next few days, with minimum temperatures dipping between 5°C to 4°C by Friday.
The extended forecast indicates continued low temperatures affecting the region. For Thursday and Friday, lows are expected at 4°C and 5°C, respectively, which could lead to frost in the higher areas of the state. Fortunately, the cold snap won’t last long; temperatures are set to gradually increase by the weekend. By Saturday, the thermometers should register minimums of 5°C and maximums around 16°C, reaching even warmer conditions with high of 23°C by Sunday.
For the following week, Monterrey will experience drastic changes as temperatures will range from 26°C to 29°C.
Given the impending cold front, authorities urge the public to take precautions to avoid respiratory illnesses. They recommend wearing warm clothing, preventing abrupt temperature changes, and staying hydrated. Special care is advised for children, older adults, and individuals with chronic illnesses. Civil Protection authorities have advised residents to remain attentive to official announcements and to avoid exposure to low temperatures during the coldest hours of the day.
To stay updated on the weather conditions, the National Meteorological Service and state Civil Protection officials recommend following their official reports. Climate change continues to cause fluctuations, making it increasingly common to experience high temperatures, rainfall, and frosts all on the same day. This unpredictability is especially significant for Monterrey, where the weather can swing dramatically.
On February 19, the city expects maximum temperatures of 13°C and minimums of 3°C. The probability of precipitation for this city is set at 40% during the day and 5% overnight. The expected cloud cover will be 99% during the day and reduce to 71% at night. Wind gusts could reach 33 km/h during the day and 24 km/h at night.
Residents have had to adapt to environmental changes over the years. The best time for outdoor activities in Monterrey typically runs from January to August and October to December, when the weather is warm or hot, with minimal rain and temperatures ranging from 27°C to 35°C. Summer brings extreme heat, resulting in drought conditions peaking around July or August, commonly referred to as the “canícula.”
The rainy season begins in the fall, with September recording the highest levels of precipitation. Nonetheless, there have been instances of storms causing severe flooding from April to June. January is usually the coldest month, with averages around 14°C, though February often brings the city’s chilliest day.
Historically, Monterrey has seen temperatures as low as -7.5°C recorded in 1983 and the last snowfall occurring in December 2004. Contrastingly, the highest recorded temperature of 48°C was reached on April 24, 1958.
Globally, Mexico boasts rich biodiversity due to its geography, leading to various climates suitable for numerous species. It spans areas with extreme temperature variations, such as the -30°C seen in higher regions of Chihuahua to the extreme heat of 50°C reported in the deserts.
Experts note the potential impacts of climate change, forecasting reduced annual precipitation and significantly higher temperatures, affecting agriculture and livestock. Increased environmental hazards during heat waves have also been observed, raising concern for major urban areas like Monterrey and Mexico City.