According to the National Water Commission (Conagua), the low temperatures are due to the passage of cold front number 10 For our country, in addition a low pressure channel over the west and south of the country, in interaction with the entry of humidity from the Pacific Ocean, will cause rains with intervals of showers in these regions, in addition to heavy occasional rains in Oaxaca.
The authorities reported that minimum temperatures of -15 to -10 degrees Celsius with frost are expected in mountain areas of Durango.
Also from -10 to -5 degrees Celsius with frost in mountain areas of Baja California and Chihuahua. Of -5 to 0 degrees Celsius with frost in mountainous areas of Sonora, Zacatecas, Aguascalientes, Jalisco, Michoacán, Guanajuato, Querétaro, Hidalgo, Veracruz, Puebla, Tlaxcala and the State of Mexico.
low temperatures will be present in mountainous areas of Mexico City (see Hoy No Circula here), Morelos, Oaxaca and Chiapas, with temperatures of 0 to 5 degrees Celsius.
For CDMX it is predicted clear sky during the day and in the mornings, cold to very cold atmosphere with scattered fog banks in areas of the valley.
During the afternoon, cool to temperate atmosphere and no rain. The minimum temperature forecast will be 3 to 5 degrees Celsius and a maximum of 21 to 23 degrees Celsius.
Conagua reported that intervals of showers with occasional rain strong in Guerrero. Also intervals of showers in Jalisco, Colima, Michoacán, Oaxaca, Chiapas and Quintana Roo and isolated rains in Baja California, Veracruz and Tabasco.
For this winter season, which began in October and will last until early March 2025, the agency expects that 48 cold fronts reach Mexico and are accompanied by seven winter storms.
What are the main effects of cold fronts on local agriculture and community safety?
Interview between Time.news Editor and Meteorology Expert
Time.news Editor: Good morning, and thank you for joining us today, Dr. Vega. As we delve into the recent weather patterns affecting our country, I understand that a cold front, specifically cold front number 10, is now upon us. Can you explain what this front is and why it’s significant at this time of year?
Dr. Vega: Good morning, and thank you for having me. Cold front number 10 is one of the seasonal weather phenomena that can significantly impact temperatures and weather conditions across our country. Cold fronts are essentially boundaries between two different air masses; in this case, a mass of cold, dense air is moving in, which is causing a drastic drop in temperatures. This front is particularly significant because it brings harsh winter conditions, including the risk of frost and snow in mountainous regions.
Time.news Editor: Speaking of frost, the National Water Commission (Conagua) has reported some alarming expected temperatures, dropping as low as -15 degrees Celsius in parts of Durango. How can such low temperatures affect day-to-day life and agriculture in these regions?
Dr. Vega: Extremely low temperatures can have multiple repercussions. For residents in mountainous areas, the immediate effects include challenges like icy roads, increased heating costs, and potential risks to health and safety. In terms of agriculture, frost can jeopardize crops that are not frost-resistant, leading to economic losses for farmers and impacting food supply in the market. It’s critical for agronomists and farmers to monitor these conditions closely so they can protect their crops and mitigate damage.
Time.news Editor: An interesting point you raise about agriculture! It seems like this cold front is also bringing along considerable amounts of rain, especially in regions like Oaxaca. How do these rains interact with the cold temperatures, and what should we expect in terms of weather in the upcoming days?
Dr. Vega: Indeed, the interaction between the cold front and humid air from the Pacific is leading to this rainfall. As the cold air pushes south, it forces the warmer, moist air upwards, causing condensation and subsequent rainfall. In regions like Oaxaca, we might see heavy showers and the potential for localized flooding due to the combination of rain and melting frost. Continued monitoring of these conditions is essential for local authorities to issue timely warnings and advisories for residents.
Time.news Editor: And given this unpredictability with weather patterns, what advice would you give to our viewers, particularly those living in the affected areas?
Dr. Vega: My primary advice is for residents to stay informed about weather updates and advisories from Conagua and other local meteorological services. Preparing for the cold means ensuring homes are adequately insulated and having emergency kits ready if severe weather impacts services. For farmers, safeguarding crops is crucial, including covering vulnerable plants and utilizing frost blankets when necessary. And of course, it’s essential to prioritize personal safety in travel during adverse weather conditions.
Time.news Editor: Those are excellent tips, Dr. Vega. Lastly, how can the public better prepare for these kinds of extreme weather events in the future, considering climate change is likely making these occurrences more frequent?
Dr. Vega: Preparation can encompass several aspects—awareness and education are key. Communities should engage in local preparedness programs to understand the risks and resources available during severe weather events. Additionally, policymakers need to invest in infrastructure that can withstand extreme weather, such as flood defenses and improved drainage systems. individual resilience through preparedness kits, safety plans, and community support is fundamental in facing the increasing unpredictability of our climate.
Time.news Editor: Thank you, Dr. Vega. Your insights are invaluable in understanding how to navigate these challenging weather conditions. We hope for the best for everyone in the affected regions.
Dr. Vega: Thank you for having me. Stay safe and stay informed!