Saturday: Heavy Rainfall and Snow in Mountainous Regions
As the year draws to a close, Mexico will experience winter-like conditions due to Cold Front 24, according to Mexico’s National Weather Service (SMN). This cold front will traverse the country from Saturday, December 27, to Sunday, December 28, causing a significant drop in temperatures, rainfall, and potential snow or sleet in mountainous areas.
- Saturday will see heavy rainfall in Guerrero, Oaxaca, Chiapas, Tabasco, Campeche, and Quintana Roo, thanks to a polar trough and moisture from an atmospheric river.
- Dispersed showers are expected in central Mexico, including the Valley of Mexico.
- Temperatures will be very cold during mornings and nights, with possible snow or sleet in the mountain ranges of Baja California, Sonora, Chihuahua, and Durango, as well as on the summits of Popocatépetl, Iztaccíhuatl, Pico de Orizaba, Cofre de Perote, and Nevado de Toluca.
- Wind speeds will be significant, with gusts reaching up to 60 kilometers per hour in the northwest and the Isthmus and Gulf of Tehuantepec.
Sunday: Continued Cold and Precipitation
The cold weather will persist on Sunday across much of the country. The SMN forecasts heavy rainfall in Oaxaca, Chiapas, and Quintana Roo, as well as showers extending from Tamaulipas and Nuevo León to Tabasco and the Yucatan Peninsula.
- Snow or sleet is expected to continue in the mountainous regions of Chihuahua and Durango.
- Wind speeds will remain strong, potentially exceeding 70 kilometers per hour in northern states.
Extreme Temperatures: Hot in the South, Sub-zero in the North and Central Regions
This weekend will see a stark temperature contrast. Coastal areas of Guerrero, Oaxaca, and Chiapas will experience temperatures between 30 and 35 degrees Celsius, while mountainous regions of Baja California, Sonora, Chihuahua, and Durango may see temperatures drop below zero degrees Celsius overnight. Freezing conditions and ice are expected.
Central states like the State of Mexico, Puebla, Tlaxcala, and Guanajuato will also experience very cold mornings, with minimum temperatures ranging from -5 to 0 degrees Celsius.
New Cold Front May Strengthen Weather Ahead of New Year
The SMN predicts that a new cold front will enter early next week, potentially intensifying rainfall and the northern event in the Gulf of Mexico. This new front may also reinforce the chilly conditions in the north, northeast, east, and central regions as the year ends.
Key Questions and Answers
- What is causing the winter-like conditions in Mexico this weekend? Cold Front 24, combined with a polar trough and atmospheric river moisture, is causing the drop in temperatures and rainfall.
- Which regions are expected to see snow or sleet? Mountainous areas of Baja California, Sonora, Chihuahua, Durango, and the summits of several prominent volcanoes are likely to experience snow or sleet.
- How will wind speeds affect travel and outdoor activities? Significant wind speeds, with gusts up to 60 kilometers per hour in certain regions, may cause hazardous driving conditions and make outdoor activities challenging.
- What precautions should vulnerable populations take against extreme cold? Authorities advise taking precautions for fog banks, slippery roads, and wind effects on paths, as well as protecting the most vulnerable from extreme cold.
