Cold Front 24 is sweeping through Mexico, bringing unprecedented winter conditions, including plummeting temperatures, icy rain, and the possibility of snow. This phenomenon, accompanied by potent Arctic air, has already begun to affect large parts of the country as of January 22, 2025.
Reports from the Servicio Meteorológico Nacional indicate severely low temperatures across many regions. The northern states are particularly experiencing dramatic changes, with recorded lows of -15 degrees Celsius, especially noted in mountainous areas like Durango, Baja California, and Chihuahua. The mix of cold air and moisture has created the right conditions for intense weather disturbances manifesting as snowfall or sleet.
Specifically, the eastern parts of Coahuila, Nuevo León, and Tamaulipas are on high alert for snowfall, with predictions of snow accumulation. While snowfall isn't expected to blanket Jalisco's capital, Guadalajara, areas like Los Altos Norte might experience frosty mornings with temperatures ranging between 0 and 5 degrees Celsius, offering only fleeting chances of snow.
Residents of Jalisco woke up to 7 degrees Celsius on January 22, with the wind chill making it feel colder. With the first rays of dawn, temperatures dipped to around 6 degrees, making clear the need for warm clothing.
The severe weather event also brings forth warnings of freezing rain across various states such as San Luis Potosí, Guanajuato, Querétaro, Puebla, and Veracruz. Authorities recommend residents prepare for colder nights and potentially hazardous conditions. Local authorities have begun issuing preventive measures including warming their homes and staying informed about the ever-changing weather circumstances.
The Universidad de Guadalajara has documented 570 risk points around the Perla Tapatía, with 180 of them identified as high risk due to potential flooding. This indicates growing concern over how the impacts of Cold Front 24 will manifest over the coming days.
Meanwhile, the southeastern regions are experiencing heavy rainfall, with Veracruz, Chiapas, and Tabasco receiving the brunt of downpours, leading to increased vulnerability to flooding and landslides. The waves on the coasts are also troubling, with reports of up to six-meter tides along the Pacific and Gulf Coasts, prompting warnings for sailors and coastal communities.
The juxtaposition of weather extremes highlights the stark contrasts within Mexico, where some regions grapple with intense icy conditions, others enjoy relatively warm temperatures around 40 degrees Celsius along the Pacific Coast. Such polar conditions remind citizens of the country's complex climatic challenges.
Experts and meteorological services urge everyone during this weather calamity to heed safety protocols to avoid exposure to harsh conditions. They reiterate the importance of staying indoors when possible, keeping warm, and safeguarding properties and agricultural lands from the threat of frost.
Community readiness will be imperative to navigate this tumultuous weather event. Cold Front 24 demonstrates not only the dangers posed by extreme weather but also the necessity for preparedness and adaptability among Mexico’s diverse populations.