As Veracruz prepares for a significant weather shift, residents are bracing for a mix of heat and storms that characterize the region's transition into May. On Thursday, May 8, 2025, the weather in Coatzacoalcos is expected to be clear to partly cloudy, with a low potential for rain. Winds from the southeast, south, and southwest are projected at speeds between 20 to 35 kilometers per hour, with gusts reaching up to 40 km/h along the coast and between 45 to 60 km/h in areas like Uxpanapa-Jesús Carranza and Acayucan.
The temperature forecast shows a warm night and early morning in Jesús Carranza, with minimum temperatures around 26 degrees Celsius, while the maximum could hit 40 degrees. In Coatzacoalcos-Minatitlán, temperatures are expected to range from a minimum of 25 degrees to a maximum of 40 degrees, and Las Choapas will see similar conditions.
The persistence of stationary front number 42 over the northeast of the country is contributing to this weather pattern. A trough extending southwest into the Gulf of Mexico is also influencing conditions, combining with tropical maritime air and daytime heating. This combination is likely to lead to cloud formation with potential rain and storms in mountainous areas, where rainfall could accumulate between 5 to 20 mm, with isolated areas receiving as much as 30 to 50 mm. However, the rest of Veracruz may experience little to no rainfall.
Veracruz has been experiencing a notable alternation between warm south winds and cold fronts in recent months, creating a dramatic contrast in temperatures. This pattern is expected to continue into the second week of May. Following the south wind expected to develop and persist until May 8, a new cold front is forecasted to sweep through the state, bringing a drop in temperatures, increased rainfall, and a North event.
According to Protección Civil de Veracruz, a special precautionary notice has been activated in response to these changing conditions. The south wind event, which began on May 6, will generate wind gusts between 45 to 60 kilometers per hour across mountain regions and the northern and central coasts of the state. Areas most affected include Acayucan, Jesús Carranza, and the Isthmus region.
Recent reports indicate that temperatures have soared to as high as 45°C, with thermal sensations nearing 50°C. On May 6, Tierra Blanca and the locality of El Garro in Isla recorded extreme temperatures of 45.5°C and 44°C, respectively. Meanwhile, the forecast for Xalapa on Wednesday, May 7, suggests a warm environment from early in the day, though slightly cooler than the previous day, with partial cloudiness and a chance of light rain around noon. Temperatures in Xalapa are expected to fluctuate between 17°C and 28°C.
The effects of cold front 42 are anticipated to be most pronounced between Friday, May 9, and Saturday, May 10, when the heaviest rains are likely to occur, starting in the northern and central mountainous regions before extending southward. As the cold front moves through, temperatures across Veracruz are expected to decrease significantly, prompting residents to stay informed about weather updates.
"Meteorological conditions will undergo significant changes in Veracruz, especially on Friday and Saturday when cold front 42 will bring heavy rainfall, accompanied by electrical activity, strong wind gusts, and possible hail," the report from the SPC states.
According to official forecasts from Protección Civil, the impacts of cold front 42 are expected to last until Sunday, May 11, with rainfall beginning to taper off in some areas starting Saturday. The North event, characterized by strong gusts, is also projected to diminish by Sunday.
"Based on forecasting models, the probability of rain and storms is expected to gradually increase from Tuesday through Thursday, peaking on Friday before decreasing on Saturday. During this period, the intensity of the heat will rise until Thursday, followed by a decrease on Friday and Saturday," the report explains.
As the state of Veracruz gears up for the rainy and cyclone season, which officially begins on June 1 and ends on November 30, residents are reminded of the significant weather events from the previous year that left lasting impacts in several municipalities due to flooding.
With the fluctuating temperatures and impending storms, it is crucial for residents to remain aware of weather updates and take necessary precautions as the atmospheric conditions evolve in the coming days.
