Cold Front 18 Departs Mexico, Triggering Widespread Rains, Snow, and Freezing Temperatures

Cold Front 18 Moves Away, Lingering Impacts Expected

Cold Front 18 is in the process of exiting Mexico, transitioning to a stationary position over the Gulf of Mexico. However, its departure does not signal an immediate end to severe weather conditions across the nation. The frontal system's interaction with a trough at mid and high atmospheric levels, a polar jet stream, and an active atmospheric river continues to generate widespread precipitation, significant temperature drops, and strong winds, primarily affecting the northwest, north, and west of the country.

Meteorological Phenomena Drive Intense Weather

The confluence of these meteorological elements is creating a complex weather pattern. The atmospheric river, a narrow band of concentrated moisture originating from tropical regions, is transporting substantial amounts of water vapor. When this moisture encounters the colder air associated with Cold Front 18 and the elevated terrain, it condenses, leading to intense rainfall and potential snowfall. The Servicio Meteorológico Nacional (SMN) has highlighted that this combination will sustain a cold to very cold environment during the night and early morning hours.

Regional Impacts: Rains, Snowfall, and Freezing Conditions

Numerous states are experiencing the effects of this weather system:

• Strong to Very Strong Rains: Areas such as Baja California Sur, Sinaloa, Durango, Sonora, and Chihuahua are forecast to receive significant rainfall.
• Chubascos and Localized Strong Rains: States including Nayarit, Jalisco, Colima, and Michoacán are also under alert for showers and strong localized rains.
• Snow and Sleet: The mountainous regions (sierras) of Sonora, Chihuahua, Durango, Sinaloa, and Coahuila face a high probability of snowfall or sleet.
• Freezing Temperatures: Temperatures are expected to plummet, with minimums ranging from -10 to -5 °C in the sierras of Chihuahua and Durango. Other mountainous areas, including parts of Baja California, Sonora, Zacatecas, Estado de México, Tlaxcala, Puebla, Veracruz, and Oaxaca, could see temperatures between -5 and 0 °C.
• Strong Winds: Gusts of wind reaching 60 to 80 km/h are anticipated in Sonora, Chihuahua, and Durango, with similar speeds along the coasts of Tamaulipas and Veracruz.

Outlook and Official Recommendations

The SMN continues to monitor the situation, advising residents in affected areas to remain vigilant and follow civil protection recommendations. The combination of heavy rains, potential flooding, and freezing conditions poses risks for travel and outdoor activities. Authorities urge caution, especially in mountainous zones prone to snow and ice, and in areas susceptible to landslides and rising river levels.