XALAPA, VER. - March marks the beginning of shifting weather patterns across Veracruz as the region braces for the arrival of two cold fronts and significant suradas. The Secretariat of Civil Protection (SPC) of Veracruz activated a Special Warning on Monday, March 3, 2025, to alert residents about these contrasting weather conditions expected to bring both intense heat and strong winds.
The SPC's special alert, labeled "Surada - Frente Frío - Norte," informs the public about the first cold front's impending arrival on Wednesday, March 4, 2025. Before this front moves through, the current surada is setting up conditions for high temperatures throughout the state, with certain municipalities forecasted to experience extreme heat, with temperatures potentially exceeding 40°C.
On Wednesday itself, municipalities like Tierra Blanca are expected to experience temperatures between 40°C and 41°C, whereas Tantoyuca might see highs ranging from 40°C to 42°C. Other affected areas include Cotaxtla (39°C - 41°C), José Azueta (39°C - 41°C), Pánuco (38°C - 40°C), and Chicontepec (38°C - 40°C).
According to reports from the National Water Commission (Conagua), the maximum temperature recorded on Monday, March 3, was 37°C, occurring in Úrsulo Galván, closely followed by Isla and Las Choapas, which saw temperatures of 36°C.
The cold front expected to arrive on March 5 is anticipated to produce northerly winds reaching speeds of 90 kilometers per hour (km/h) along the coasts of the Veracruz – Boca del Río area. Although some effects might start the night before, authorities warn the strongest impacts will be evident on the Wednesday itself.
Following the first cold event, predictions suggest this spell of cold will be short-lived, with temperatures returning to milder levels by Thursday, March 6. This brief recovery will be succeeded by the emergence of another heat wave expected to settle between Friday, March 7, and Saturday, March 8.
"... the wind (from the north) will quickly weaken and shift to the east and southeast, allowing for changes to the weather conditions from Thursday to Saturday (8), with the potential for another surada bringing strong to very strong gusts, increasing temperatures and decreasing the chance of rain," the SPC reported.
Still, the residents should prepare for the subsequent second cold front, which will move through Veracruz between the night of Saturday, March 8, and Sunday, March 9. This front is expected to lower temperatures significantly, result in rain, and generate another northerly wind event with possible gusts of 90 km/h, especially affecting central coasts.
Further weather forecasts indicate chilly conditions returning on March 9, marked by increased cloudiness and rain potential, accompanied by considerable temperature drops. The SPC reminds the public to remain vigilant and stay updated on timely weather updates as conditions might change rapidly as the week progresses.
Turning to specific temperature predictions, regions like Xalapa will see temperatures ranging between 16°C and 30°C on March 4, providing residents with relatively manageable weather compared to the intense warmth occurring elsewhere.
On Tuesday, March 4, dry weather is forecasted but combined with very hot conditions throughout the day. Reports confirm high temperatures expected across different municipalities, with Tuxpan recording 30.4°C, Xalapa reaching 29.4°C, Boca del Río at 29.8°C, Orizaba at 28.4°C, and Coatzacoalcos coming to 30.2°C. Residents are urged to manage their activities to avoid incidents like forest fires and prolonged sun exposure due to the harsh climate conditions.
Warnings have been echoed urging the population to follow directives from civil protection agencies and consult the Special Notice issued as the cold front approaches along with its polar air mass. Despite unfavorable forecasts for rainfall, it is expected temperatures will become extreme, plunging again following the advent of the second cold front expected late on March 9.
Indeed, weather models predict temperatures across Veracruz will stray above the normal averages for the week, and rainfall is likely to be scarce. The SPC has made it clear through numerous advisories to stay informed and take necessary precautions against the deteriorative climatic conditions predicted over the coming days.
Looking at the broader weather trends, chances of rain are expected to decrease sharply across much of the nation, with the exception of some isolated areas, particularly affecting the center and southern regions. Looking forward, all citizens must stay aware of any shifts within the weather forecast to navigate these fluctuated conditions securely.