Extreme winter conditions grip Sinaloa as record low temperatures plunge, prompting safety measures and public advisories.
Culiacán, Sinaloa - Early Thursday morning, January 30, parts of Sinaloa experienced bone-chilling temperatures, with mercury readings dropping to freezing levels, particularly in the northern region of the state. According to Roy Navarrete Cuevas, the director of Civil Protection, temperatures fell as low as 0 degrees Celsius near the Sierra de Choix and along the borders of Badiraguato and Chihuahua. “We observed areas within El Fuerte recording temperatures ranging between 2 and 3 degrees Celsius, whereas Ahome recorded 7 degrees,” Cuevas explained.
Navarrete Cuevas noted the dramatic drop in temperatures is attributed to the cold front number 25 sweeping through the region. This weather system is causing some of the coldest conditions of the winter season. “It’s going to be chilly for the upcoming days,” he warned, adding, “some days will see the lowest temperatures recorded this season.” Coupled with this forecast, the authorities from Civil Protection recommended residents take necessary precautions, particularly those living in mountainous areas where conditions could worsen.
“It’s serious cold!” exclaimed Navarrete Cuevas, as he detailed recommended measures for public safety. Residents are advised to dress warmly, layering clothing to retain body heat. The public is encouraged to cover extremities with gloves, hats, and thick socks to combat the cold. They are also warned to avoid sudden changes of temperature to prevent respiratory illnesses.
Citizens are urged to consume hot beverages and meals rich in Vitamin C—such as citruses and peppers—to bolster their immune systems against the cold exposure. Staying hydrated is equally important, as dehydration can occur even during cold weather.
The effects of the cold front were starkly illustrated by the freezing conditions reported throughout the region. For example, Badiraguato experienced not only low temperatures but also wind chills dipping below zero degrees Celsius. The Huites dam station recorded temperatures at 2 degrees, which led to frost forming on vehicles and rooftops. Locals reported waking up to ice-covered vehicles across local neighborhoods.
Further south, particularly around Los Mochis and Guasave, temperatures were slightly milder, ranging from 10 to 11 degrees. Culiacán observed lows between 6 to 9 degrees, whereas coastal areas like Mazatlán only slightly escaped the severe chill with temperatures hovering around 11 degrees.
Looking forward, meteorologist Juan Espinosa Luna warns the cold snap isn't over yet. He declared Friday morning temperatures are expected to linger between 4 and 2 degrees Celsius. “It's going to be more than just chilly,” he stated, as he encouraged individuals to bundle up with multiple blankets, especially during nighttime.
Espinosa Luna provided specific forecasts for different areas, indicating Choix would remain around 0 degrees, with El Fuerte at 4 degrees, and the coastal Angostura maintaining 4 degrees. Alarmingly, the mountainous regions adjacent to Chihuahua could face temperatures plummeting as low as -10 to -14 degrees Celsius.
Residents of Sinaloa are reminded of the potential health risks associated with such frigid weather. “Particularly, the sensation of temperature can pose serious risks, leading to hypothermia,” Espinosa Luna cautioned.
Local authorities continue to monitor conditions and issue updates to keep the public informed. While Sinaloa residents face this unusual winter wave, the collective hope is for warmer days to return soon.