The Comisión Nacional del Agua (Conagua) has issued a weather alert for several regions of Mexico as the country braces for a mix of extreme heat and heavy rainfall on March 20, 2025. A cold front moving over the northeast and east of the nation is expected to interact with a low-pressure channel, leading to impactful weather changes.
According to forecasts, regions including the Yucatán Peninsula, Veracruz, Oaxaca, and Chiapas are poised for intense rainfall, with estimates suggesting 50 to 75 mm in some areas. The way the weather is shaping up, Veracruz, Oaxaca, and Chiapas might see downpours categorized as strong to very strong, while parts of Tabasco could experience intervals of showers accompanied by strong rainfalls of 25 to 50 mm.
Specifically, the predictions from the Servicio Meteorológico Nacional (SMN) also indicate that Hidalgo, Puebla, Estado de México, and Campeche may face lighter rain, with expectations of between 5 to 25 mm. Further, the SMN noted that even cities like Mexico City, along with states such as Jalisco, Michoacán, San Luis Potosí, and Quintana Roo, can expect isolated rains ranging from 0.1 to 5 mm.
While these areas prepare for significant moisture, a stark contrast in temperatures is expected across the country. Conagua predicts sweltering heat, with maximum temperatures climbing between 40 to 45 °C in states like Sinaloa, Nayarit, Michoacán, Guerrero, Oaxaca, and Chiapas. Additionally, temperatures peaking between 35 to 40 °C are anticipated in Baja California Sur, Sonora, and Colima, while slightly milder temperatures in the range of 30 to 35 °C can be expected in places like Zacatecas and Campeche.
In a remarkable twist, the early hours on March 20 will see temperatures plummeting in various mountainous regions. Frosts are forecast, with minimum temperatures dipping as low as -15 to -10 °C in parts of Durango, while others like Chihuahua could see lows ranging from -10 to -5 °C.
As residents in many states ready themselves for the warm temperatures, the possibility of a potent ‘Norte’ event looms, characterized by strong winds expected to reach 40 to 60 km/h, with gusts soaring as high as 100 km/h. Wearing that badge, the isthmus and Gulf of Tehuantepec will feel this wind intensity, accompanied by a slightly weaker version in Veracruz, expected to see gusts of 70 to 90 km/h.
The gusty scenario does not end there. Throughout several states, including Tamaulipas and the coastal regions of Tabasco, Campeche, and Yucatán, northeastern gusts of 20 to 30 km/h will also play their part.
Moreover, dust storms are anticipated under certain wind conditions. Coahuila, Nuevo León, San Luis Potosí, and Zacatecas could face winds of 30 to 40 km/h, coupled with dust storms. Furthermore, areas such as Baja California and Sonora may find themselves grappling with strong gusts of wind, raising the possibility of visibility being affected.
In conjunction with these winds, notable wave heights are expected off the coasts, with the Gulf of Tehuantepec set to see waves between 2 to 4 meters high. Other coastal regions, like the western part of the Baja California peninsula, can expect waves 1 to 3 meters tall.
The widespread climatic event has provoked discussions about safety measures as the authorities highlight the critical nature of staying informed. Local civil protection agencies are set to monitor the situation closely to ensure that residents are alerted in case conditions worsen.
With the fluctuations in temperature and heavy rains expected, experts are advising individuals and families alike to remain alert. It’s vital to adhere to the recommendations from the authorities, ensuring that safety remains a priority during this unpredictable weather period.
Overall, the juxtaposition of heat and rainfall creates a unique scenario, urging the populace not only to prepare for immediate weather changes but also to consider the longer-term effects climate patterns could have on the region.
