NUEVO LAREDO, Tamaulipas — The residents of Nuevo Laredo are bracing for severe cold weather as forecasts indicate intense freezing conditions starting February 19, 2025. The temperatures are expected to plummet significantly, dipping to as low as 0°C (32°F) during the night, and struggling to reach just 10°C (50°F) by the afternoon.
Following days of relatively warm weather with peaks around 30°C (86°F), the arrival of frontal system number 28 marks the shift as the city prepares to face temperatures ranging between 0 and 9 degrees Celsius, compounded by rainfall.
According to the National Meteorological Service (SMN), this chilling phenomenon is primarily due to the interaction of atmospheric conditions, including moisture from the subtropical jet stream and a dry line stretching across Coahuila. Humberto Fernández Diez de Pino, the Director of Civil Protection, elaborated on the situation, stating, "De esta manera los fríos son gélidos y traerán algunas sensaciones incluso más bajas y hay que tomar y adoptar la cultura de la autoprotección," which translates to, "This way the cold will be icy and will bring even lower sensations; we must adopt the culture of self-protection."
For Wednesday, February 19, forecasters predict maximum temperatures of 17°C (62°F) and minimums dropping to 6°C (43°F), with rain probabilities ranging from 5% to 20%. The cold will become even more pronounced the following day, Thursday, with expectations of only reaching 8°C (46°F) and minimums of around 2°C (36°F), alongside similar rainfall probability percentages.
The situation is set to continue with cold front impacts through February 21, when temperatures will slightly rise to between 4°C and 7°C (39°F and 45°F), but with minimal chance of precipitation at 10%. The Civil Protection department has strongly recommended community members to dress adequately and avoid rapid temperature changes.
"Se recomienda abrigarse adecuadamente. Evitar los cambios bruscos de temperatura," said Fernández, urging residents to take proper precautions not only against the cold but also against potentially hazardous practices such as using braziers indoors which pose risks of carbon monoxide poisoning.
To address the challenges imposed by the impending freeze, the community has been alerted about the activation of Operation Carrusel, which provides assistance to vulnerable populations. Authorities have highlighted the importance of reporting emergencies through official channels, including the 911 emergency number.
Schools are also adapting to the conditions; they have started implementing guidelines for attendance based on temperature readings. Parents are advised to monitor the situation closely, with classes being suspended when temperatures hit 0°C (32°F). The Secretary of Education for Tamaulipas has provided clear guidance, stating attendance will be discretionary when temperatures dip to 5°C (41°F).
This string of cold weather conditions serves as another reminder of the importance of community preparedness and individual safety measures during the winter months. Residents are encouraged to stay informed through official channels as temperatures plunge across Nuevo Laredo. Authorities stress vigilance against the cold impacts and urge everyone to adopt protective measures to safeguard their safety and well-being.
With the cold expected to linger through the end of the week, families are urged to prioritize comfort and safety as they navigate through the potentially harsh conditions. Keeping warm and informed remains the key to enduring these unusual January weather patterns.