Mexico is bracing for extreme weather conditions on March 15, 2025, as strong winds and possible snowfall are expected to plague the northern regions, particularly the sierras of Sonora and Chihuahua, which may see snow or sleet due to the cold front number 35.
According to the National Water Commission (Conagua), this unusual meteorological situation is primarily the result of the interaction between the cold front and polar troughs alongside polar and subtropical jet streams, leading to significant weather disturbances including dust storms across the northern and northeastern territories.
While the north faces severe weather, the southern parts of Mexico will endure sweltering heat, with temperatures potentially soaring up to 45 °C. The stark temperature divide exemplifies the country's varied climate as the warmer, southern states can expect record heat driven by high atmospheric pressure systems.
High temperatures between 40 and 45 degrees Celsius are forecast for states like Tamaulipas, San Luis Potosí, Veracruz, Puebla, Morelos, Guerrero, Oaxaca, Chiapas, Tabasco, and Campeche. Meanwhile, areas such as Jalisco, Colima, Michoacán, Guanajuato, Querétaro, Hidalgo, Yucatán, and Quintana Roo will see slightly lower temperatures from 35 to 40 degrees Celsius.
Conversely, the mountainous regions of Durango and Chihuahua may experience chilling lows, with temperatures plunging as low as -15 degrees Celsius. This significant temperature drop will likely lead to frost formation, and lows ranging between -10 and 0 degrees Celsius can also be expected across Sonora, Baja California, Zacatecas, and Jalisco.
Wind gusts are anticipated to be particularly hazardous, with speeds reaching up to 100 km/h, especially across Chihuahua, Durango, and Coahuila, prompting warnings from local authorities. Other regions such as Nuevo León, Tamaulipas, San Luis Potosí, Zacatecas, and Aguascalientes will see winds reaching 80 km/h.
Alerts have also been issued for Veracruz, Tabasco, Oaxaca, and Chiapas, where 'surada' events bringing gusts of approximately 80 km/h are forecast. The Yucatán Peninsula will not be spared, with winds of 50 to 70 km/h predicted to impact coastal and land areas.
The changing weather patterns can contribute to hazardous conditions, including the potential for forest fires, caused by the strong winds coupled with dry vegetation. Authorities urge individuals to exercise caution and avoid outdoor activities during this period of extreme weather.
Significant ocean conditions are expected as well, with wave heights reaching as high as 4 meters on the west coast of the Baja California peninsula and approximately 3 meters along the coasts of Nayarit, Jalisco, Colima, Michoacán, and Quintana Roo.
Given the scale of these weather events, officials are advising residents especially in high-risk areas to prioritize safety. They recommend avoiding outdoor activities during windy conditions and staying updated through official channels about the evolution of the weather situation.