On Monday, March 17, 2025, cold front number 35 continues its path across southeastern Mexico, bringing with it heavy rainfall, strong winds, and sharp temperature fluctuations. The front, located east of the Yucatan Peninsula, is expected to produce significant precipitation, particularly impacting Chiapas, Oaxaca, and Quintana Roo.
According to the National Meteorological Service, severe weather conditions are anticipated for several regions. Chiapas is forecasted to experience heavy and concentrated rain, accumulating between 25 to 50 mm. Showers are also expected to occur intermittently across Oaxaca and Quintana Roo, where rainfall accumulations may reach up to 25 mm. Isolated rainfalls of 0.1 to 5 mm are anticipated for Baja California, Veracruz, Tabasco, and Campeche.
"The cold front will continue to affect the southeast of the country, generating heavy rains and temperature changes," said officials from the National Meteorological Service, alerting residents to be prepared for worsening conditions.
Further compounding the weather challenges, the mass of cold air associated with this front maintains the phenomenon known as the "Norte," which can produce winds reaching up to 100 km/h across the Isthmus and Gulf of Tehuantepec. Waves are predicted to rise to 4 meters high, especially impacting coastal operations and necessitating caution from harbor authorities. A spokesperson for the Coast Guard stated, "Waves are expected to reach up to 4 meters high, particularly affecting coastal activities."
Throughout the day, authorities expect extreme temperature contrasts across Mexico. While areas such as Sonora, Sinaloa, Guerrero, Oaxaca, and Chiapas are bracing for sweltering temperatures ranging between 40 to 45 °C, mountainous regions of Chihuahua and Durango will face lows between -10 to -5 °C. This drastic discrepancy poses numerous risks, particularly for vulnerable populations.
Later on Monday evening, another cold front, numbered 36, is predicted to enter the northwest region of Mexico, possibly affecting the state of Baja California. This system is projected to interact with the polar and subtropical jet streams, generating strong gusts of wind and raising concerns about dust devils and isolated rain events.
"We recommend the population take precautions against high winds and rain," advised Civil Protection authorities, as they brace for the incoming front, which could exacerbate already challenging conditions. Areas such as Baja California, Chihuahua, and Durango are particularly vulnerable to intense winds of 60 to 80 km/h, heightening apprehensions about property damage and public safety.
Temperatures will remain variable as temperatures dip below freezing at higher altitudes, particularly affecting areas with agricultural activities. Meanwhile, the valleys will see daytime highs of 30 to 35 °C. Forecasters have noted the following temperature trends: areas like Nuevo Leon and Tamaulipas are expected to hover around 30 to 35 °C; meanwhile, mountainous regions will face frigid conditions with temperatures ranging from -10 to 0 °C.
Local residents are urged to stay informed on weather developments through official channels and continuously monitor updates from the Civil Protection Services. The potential for flooding, landslides, and flooding, particularly vulnerable, should remain cognizant, especially as rainfall accumulations become significant.
Authorities are advising the public against outdoor activities during high-wind conditions and recommend securing loose objects as powerful gusts can rapidly escalate, presenting natural hazards. The interaction of these weather systems, particularly with strong winds, could also create wildfire risks as the humidity fluctuates with the changing temperature patterns. Hence, avoiding open flames and maintaining vigilance against dry conditions is prudent.
For the Valley of Mexico, meteorologists predict it will experience partially cloudy skies throughout Monday as the morning will start with cooler temperatures between 6 to 8 °C, slowly rising to warmer conditions by afternoon. The capital is expected to reach high temperatures ranging between 26 to 28 °C without significant probability of rain.
Temperatures across Toluca are forecasted to reach lows between 1 to 3 °C and highs between 23 to 25 °C. These fluctuations will reflect the overall climate patterns affecting Mexico on this day; contrasting conditions could continue to challenge populations across various regions.
Officials continue to urge residents to heed warnings and stay safe amid the drastic weather conditions, reminding everyone to remain vigilant and prepared for the unexpected outcomes of changing weather relationships influenced by the cold fronts.
