Winter has officially arrived in Mexico, bringing with it cold temperatures and widespread rainfall as the country heads toward the end of December 2024. According to the National Meteorological Service (SMN), the next few days will witness a mix of icy cold and moderate weather, with predictions of temperatures dropping as low as -15 degrees Celsius.
The first batch of cold weather hit various states, including Durango, Chihuahua, and Baja California, where nighttime lows may plummet to between -15 and 0 degrees. Meanwhile, the capital, Mexico City, is warned of mild winter conditions like light rains and chilly winds as it braces for temperatures around 13 degrees Celsius at night.
This week’s forecast indicates highly variable weather across the country, largely influenced by the current atmospheric conditions, including high-pressure systems and multiple cold fronts moving through. The SMN has warned of rainfalls expected from December 22 to December 25, particularly impacting the central and northwest regions. Valleys and higher terrain are predicted to experience significant moisture, leading to rain and occasional snowfall at higher elevations.
So, how bad can the weather get? Well, reports indicate states such as San Luis Potosí, Aguascalientes, and Michoacán may expect rain varying from 5 to 50 millimeters. The heaviest rainfall is anticipated around the Valley of Mexico, where storms could yield unexpected flooding due to prolonged precipitation.
Specifically, during this period, isolated rains and thunderstorms will also pose risks, particularly due to possible lightning strikes. Overall, the forecast for the region shows mixed precipitation and varying temperatures, with potential snow at elevations higher than 4,000 meters, such as Iztaccíhuatl and Popocatépetl.
For those living in warmer coastal areas like Sinaloa and Chiapas, the weeks leading up to the holiday season will see temperatures soaring from 30 to 35 degrees Celsius, providing some respite from the more severe conditions faced inland. Yet, residents are cautioned against heatwaves returning over the weekend with temperatures nearing 40 degrees Celsius.
The SMN urges individuals to prepare adequately to combat this sudden winter chill. Recommendations include sealing doors and windows to prevent drafts, wearing thermal clothing, and taking care to ventilate homes with gas heaters to reduce carbon monoxide risks.
Civic authorities and meteorological services advise on specific actions during this cold spell:
- Wear multiple layers of clothing and accessories to cover extremities such as fingers and ears.
- Utilize skin protection creams to prevent damage from the cold.
- Maintain regular hydration and consume fruits and vegetables rich in vitamins A and C.
- Monitor local weather forecasts and stay updated on civil alerts.
Residents should keep their guards up as the temperature fluctuates across regions, with morning temperatures potentially as low as 5 to 10 degrees Celsius and even lower at night.
With the winter season continuing to affect various states, the outlook remains focused on fluctuated conditions. Authorities stress the importance of being vigilant to protect both health and safety during this time. Reports indicate conditions are expected to stabilize around the New Year, with clearer skies and more consistent climate patterns returning by early January 2025.
This winter weather scenario emphasizes the shared responsibility of communities to remain alert, prepared, and safe during what has proven to be one of the most turbulent winters for many regions. The combination of heavy rains and frigid temperatures serves as both a reminder of nature’s unpredictability and the necessity of being well-equipped for winter weather.
