Mexico is bracing for significant weather changes as cold fronts 15 and 16 sweep across the country, leading to dramatic temperature drops, snowfall at high elevations, and severe weather warnings. According to the Servicio Meteorológico Nacional (SMN), the coming days will see extreme cold especially over the weekend prior to Christmas, with temperatures plummeting at night.
The first of the two cold fronts, number 15, is currently affecting areas from the Gulf of Mexico to the Yucatán Peninsula. On December 20, the SMN reported heavy rainfall across several states, including Oaxaca and southern Veracruz, with strong odds of intense precipitation continuing as the polar air associated with these systems maintains frigid conditions nationally.
While the frontal system began to recede with the arrival of front 16 this past Saturday, it has prompted major alerts for several regions. The SMN noted, “The outlook for December 21 indicates temperatures falling as low as -10 degrees Celsius, with frost occurring especially across specific northern mountainous areas,” adding the stark reminder to stay warm at night.
Snow is anticipated at altitudes exceeding 4,000 meters, with locations such as Pico de Orizaba, Iztaccíhuatl, and Popocatépetl also forecasted to experience snowfall or sleet. The mountains are expected to be picturesque but treacherous for travelers, especially due to ice and snow conditions.
Residents of central and eastern Mexico should prepare for some extraordinary winter weather this holiday season. Temperatures are projected to hit lows of -10 to -15 degrees Celsius in high-elevation regions of Durango and Chihuahua. Meanwhile, the fiercest cold will likely manifest over the mountains of Baja California, Zacatecas, and the State of Mexico.
States facing particularly harsh cold this weekend include mountainous regions of Durango and Chihuahua, where freezing temperatures could lead to hazardous conditions, especially for those unprepared. Areas from Baja California to Oaxaca will also experience colder than usual conditions, with temperatures potentially reaching between -5 and 0 degrees Celsius.
On December 21, the SMN reported, “At elevations above 4,000 meters, snow or sleet could be expected.” Areas like Sierra Negra and La Malinche could offer holiday-goers the rare chance to witness snowfall. The prospect of a white Christmas—something not commonly associated with Mexican winters—has intrigued many locals, prompting spontaneous trips to the mountains to enjoy the wintry scenes.
Travel precautions are urged as authorities brace for possible landslides and road disruptions from the anticipated rainfall, especially across the Pacific coastal regions. The SMN warned about possible flooding: “There are conditions favorable for the collapse of trees, advertising displays, and potential landslides where heavy rainfall is anticipated,” signalling the risks associated with the incoming weather systems.
The SMN predicts continued rain through December 21 with forecasts indicating the following precipitation levels: heavy rainfall of 25 to 50 mm is expected across Nuevo León, Tamaulipas, San Luis Potosí, Puebla, and Veracruz; lighter rain between 5 to 25 mm for states like Querétaro and the City of Mexico.
Heavy rain, which can cause significant disruptions, will accompany the cold front, making travel and outdoor activities precarious. Officials encourage the citizens to prepare adequately, dress warmly, and remain alert to local advisories.
The lower temperatures preceding Christmas are expected to influence holiday plans, with families and tourists alike reminded to check areas for accessibility particularly post-storm. Authorities reinforce the importance of monitoring local weather advisories as conditions may shift suddenly as the holiday weekend approaches.
With these forecasts, residents are advised to engage with local authorities for updates and heed safety recommendations when venturing outdoors. Whether heading to high elevations to catch the snowfall or preparing for the harsh temperatures, preparedness is key.
