Heavy Rains and Temperature Drop in Southeast and Gulf of Mexico
Cold Front 27 will continue to affect most of the country this Sunday, January 11, with no respite from winter conditions. The Servicio Meteorológico Nacional (SMN) and the National Coordination of Civil Protection (CNPC) report intense to very heavy rainfall, a significant temperature drop, and prolonged northerly winds in the Gulf of Mexico.
Heavy Rains in the Southeast
- Intense rainfall, with torrential downpours of 150 to 250 millimeters, is expected in Veracruz, Oaxaca, Chiapas, and Tabasco.
- Puebla and Campeche will experience very heavy rainfall.
Other states like Chihuahua, Durango, Sinaloa, Quintana Roo, and central regions may see showers and heavy rainfall, potentially causing river and stream level increases, waterlogging, and flooding in low-lying areas.
Northerly Winds and Elevated Waves
Cold Front 27 will be accompanied by intense northerly winds, with gusts reaching 100 to 120 kilometers per hour in Veracruz, the Isthmus, and Gulf of Tehuantepec. These conditions will extend to Tamaulipas and Tabasco with smaller but persistent gusts. This will result in elevated waves, up to 4 to 6 meters high, along the Gulf of Mexico and Gulf of Tehuantepec coasts. Authorities advise extreme caution in maritime activities and securing objects that could be blown by the wind.
Temperature Drop and Possible Snow
The associated polar air mass will maintain cold to very cold conditions across most of the national territory, with freezing temperatures during the early morning in mountainous regions of northern, central, and eastern Mexico. There is a possibility of snow, sleet, or freezing rain in states like Chihuahua, Durango, Coahuila, Nuevo León, San Luis Potosí, and Zacatecas, as well as on mountain peaks above 4,000 meters above sea level.
Civil Protection Recommendations
Given these conditions, the CNPC urges the public to remain vigilant, reinforce self-care measures, and stay attentive to official alerts.
- Key Recommendations: Avoid crossing rivers or water currents, stay away from flood-prone areas, exercise caution on roads due to potential landslides or icy conditions, and follow local authorities’ instructions.
Authorities have reiterated that winter conditions will persist at least until the beginning of the following week. They advise staying informed through official SMN and Civil Protection channels.
Key Questions and Answers
- What is causing these weather conditions? Cold Front 27, in interaction with a polar air mass and the development of the second winter storm, is causing intense rainfall, strong winds, and elevated waves primarily in southeastern and coastal states.
- Which regions will be most affected by heavy rainfall? Veracruz, Oaxaca, Chiapas, Tabasco, Puebla, and Campeche will experience intense to very heavy rainfall.
- Where will northerly winds be strongest? Veracruz, the Isthmus, Gulf of Tehuantepec, Tamaulipas, and Tabasco will experience strong northerly winds.
- Which areas might see snow or freezing precipitation? Chihuahua, Durango, Coahuila, Nuevo León, San Luis Potosí, and Zacatecas, along with high-altitude mountainous regions, could experience snow, sleet, or freezing rain.
- What safety measures should people take? Avoid crossing rivers or water currents, stay away from flood-prone areas, exercise caution on roads due to potential landslides or icy conditions, and follow local authorities’ instructions.
