Extreme Weather Conditions Sweep Across Mexico
Cold Front Number 24 Brings Harsh Temperatures and Heavy Rainfall to Several States
Mexico is currently facing severe weather conditions as cold front number 24 impacts various regions across the country. The front, accompanied by arctic air, is anticipated to create frigid temperatures and heavy rainfall, especially affecting states like Nuevo León, Tamaulipas, and Veracruz.
The Servicio Meteorológico Nacional (SMN) announced on January 21, 2025, the presence of the cold front, which has led to temperatures plunging between -5 and 0 degrees Celsius across northern areas. The mountainous zones of Chihuahua could see lows below -15 degrees Celsius, ushering in frost and potentially hazardous conditions.
According to the SMN, severe weather conditions will dominate the northeast region of Mexico, with forecasts indicating intense winds reaching between 100-120 km/h. These gusts are likely to generate substantial waves, measuring up to 7 meters, particularly along the coasts of Tamaulipas and Veracruz.
Meanwhile, the southeast will experience heavy rainfall, with local forecasts predicting between 75 to 150 mm of precipitation in states like Veracruz, Oaxaca, Chiapas, and Tabasco. This deluge raises concerns about flooding and landslides, especially with warnings already issued for areas at risk.
Alongside the rain, potential snowfall, sleet, and freezing rain are possible, particularly for Coahuila, Nuevo León, and Tamaulipas. The occurrence of aguanieve, or mixed ice and water, is especially alarming for commuters and residents, highlighting the need for caution.
Weather reports specify nuanced conditions for different areas. For example, Monterrey, Nuevo León, faces particularly cold temperatures starting at 0 degrees Celsius, raising concerns for early morning commuters. Over the course of the day, the temperature could rise slightly to about 4 degrees but is expected to fall again to around 1 degree at night. These chill factors are compounded by overcast skies and possible precipitation.
Other municipalities, like Anáhuac, Bustamante, and China, will similarly grapple with near-freezing temperatures, prompting health advisories. The SMN has explicitly recommended residents take precautions, such as dressing warmly and monitoring local weather updates to stay informed about rapidly changing conditions.
While colder northern states are bracing for harsh conditions, the southern parts of Mexico, including coastal regions of Guerrero, Oaxaca, and Chiapas, are experiencing contrasting weather, with predicted highs reaching between 30 and 40 degrees Celsius. This divergence emphasizes the broad impact of the cold front across the country.
Safety remains at the forefront of concerns with the current climatic upheaval. Authorities urge motorists to avoid traveling during extreme weather events and to stay updated through official channels to navigate the fluctuative conditions effectively.
Given the rapid changes and the likelihood of continued severe weather, experts are advising caution across the board—from local officials to residents. The RMN regularly updates forecasts and provides guidelines for those potentially impacted, ensuring the community can respond to the challenges posed by cold front number 24.
This unexpected and severe weather event serves as another reminder of the importance of preparedness and adaptive strategies to survive the increasingly volatile climate conditions Mexico is facing.