Severe Cold Snap Grips Mexico: Temperatures to Plummet This Weekend
A significant drop in temperatures is forecast across much of Mexico this weekend as Cold Front Number 13 and an associated arctic air mass move across the country, impacting the north, northeast, center, and east. Authorities are urging residents to prepare for potentially dangerous conditions and take precautions to protect vulnerable populations.
The National Meteorological Service (SMN) has issued warnings for widespread cold, with temperatures expected to fall dramatically beginning Saturday night. Citizens are advised to stay warm and safeguard children, the elderly, and pets against the drastic climate shift.
Friday’s Forecast: Lingering Showers in the South
Friday will see mostly clear to partly cloudy skies across the majority of Mexico. However, showers are expected to continue in the south and southeast, particularly in Quintana Roo, Guerrero, Oaxaca, and Chiapas.
Minimum temperatures are already dropping, reaching as low as -10 °C in the mountainous regions of Chihuahua and Durango. In central Mexico, including Mexico City (CDMX), the State of Mexico, Puebla, and Tlaxcala, overnight lows will range between 0 °C and 5 °C.
Weekend Chill: Cold Front 13 Arrives
The arrival of Cold Front 13 on Saturday night, propelled by the arctic air mass, will usher in a period of intense cold. Wind gusts of up to 70 km/h are anticipated in Chihuahua and Coahuila, exacerbating the already falling temperatures. Light frost is expected in the higher elevations of the North Table and Central Table, with freezing conditions at dawn.
Sunday is predicted to be the coldest day of the weekend. The front will extend its reach across the north and center of the country, bringing severe frosts and temperatures plummeting to -15 °C in Chihuahua and Durango. Temperatures between -5 °C and 0 °C are forecast for Zacatecas, Puebla, the State of Mexico, and Nuevo León.
Mexico City Braces for Sub-Zero Temperatures and Heavy Rain
In CDMX, minimum temperatures of 5 °C are expected in the higher areas of the south and west. Simultaneously, heavy rainfall is forecast for Veracruz, Oaxaca, Chiapas, and Tabasco, accompanied by a “North” event in the Gulf of Mexico and the Isthmus of Tehuantepec, where wind gusts could exceed 90 km/h.
Continued Cold into Early Next Week
The icy conditions will persist on Monday, November 10, with a particularly cold atmosphere at dawn, especially in central Mexico. Highland states like Hidalgo, Tlaxcala, Querétaro, and Guanajuato could see temperatures drop to 0 °C, with the possibility of frost.
Heavy rains will continue in the Gulf and the Yucatan Peninsula, while strong north winds will reach speeds of up to 100 km/h in Veracruz, Oaxaca, and Chiapas. Meteorological authorities predict a gradual warming trend beginning on Wednesday as the arctic air mass begins to shift.
Capital authorities have issued a special notice regarding the temperature drop in Mexico City. According to the Secretariat of Comprehensive Risk Management and Civil Protection (SGIRPC), minimum temperatures between Sunday night, November 9, and Tuesday, November 11, will range from 2 to 6 °C in the higher areas of the south and west, and 8 to 11 °C in the valley.
Strong, gusty winds and light rains are also anticipated during the early morning and evening hours. Highs are expected to reach 15 to 17 °C on Monday and 20 to 22 °C on Tuesday.
Safety Recommendations from SGIRPC
In light of the changing climate, the SGIRPC is urging residents to follow recommendations from civil protection authorities to prevent respiratory illnesses and risks associated with home heating. These recommendations include:
- Avoiding sudden changes in temperature.
- Consuming plenty of water, fruits, and vegetables rich in vitamins A and C.
- Seeking medical attention at the nearest Health Center if symptoms of illness develop.
- Getting vaccinated against influenza and COVID-19.
- Extinguishing candles and stoves before sleeping to prevent fires or poisoning.
- Wearing three layers of clothing, preferably made of cotton or wool.
- Covering the nose and mouth to avoid breathing in cold air.
The SGIRPC emphasized that these cold fronts are common in November and urged the public to pay attention to official notices. They also cautioned against politicizing or minimizing prevention measures, stressing the importance of avoiding emergencies and protecting vulnerable populations.
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