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Early this morning, Cuba recorded exceptionally low temperatures in several areas, with the coldest values in the western and central regions of the country.
The weather station in Indio Hatuey, located in the province of Matanzas, recorded the lowest temperature at 5.7 °C.
A total of nine weather stations recorded values below 10 °C.
The following are the records of the coldest temperatures at the weather stations in the country:
Indio Hatuey (Matanzas): 5.7 °C.
Bainoa (Mayabeque): 6.8 °C.
Santo Domingo (Villa Clara): 7.8 °C.
Jovellanos (Matanzas): 8.1 °C.
José Martí International Airport (Havana): 8.4 °C.
Bauta (Artemisa): 8.5 °C.
Jagüey Grande (Matanzas): 9.6 °C.
Abel Santamaría International Airport (Villa Clara, Santa Clara): 9.7 °C.
Aguada de Pasajeros (Cienfuegos): 9.8 °C.
In the rest of the country, although temperatures were higher, unusually low figures were recorded for the island's typical conditions.
For example, locations such as La Palma (Pinar del Río) and Juan Gualberto Gómez International Airport (Varadero, Matanzas) recorded values of 10.4 and 10.6, respectively.
In recent days, the Meteorological Institute had already predicted a significant drop in temperatures due to the arrival of a cold air mass from the Arctic.
“The winter conditions could persist for much of the first half of January,” indicated this week Dr. Miriam Teresita Llanes Monteagudo, head of the Forecast Center at the Institute of Meteorology (INSMET), in statements to Granma.
The forecast was reiterated by the meteorologist, Raydel Ruisánchez.
"It can be observed in the satellite images how the wedge of cold, dry air descends over the Florida peninsula and reaches the western region, resulting in clear skies. This will lead to a significant drop in temperatures during the night and early morning," he explained.
"The forecasted minimum temperature values for this region range between 10-13°C, and in some areas, they could notably drop below 10°C," and that has indeed been the case.
The national record for the lowest temperature is 0.6 degrees Celsius and was recorded on February 18, 1996, in Bainoa, in the province of Mayabeque.
Frequently Asked Questions about Low Temperatures in Cuba
What was the lowest temperature recorded in Cuba during the last cold wave?
The lowest recorded temperature was 5.7 °C at the Indio Hatuey weather station in the province of Matanzas, highlighting the impact of the cold air mass that affected the country.
What causes the drop in temperatures in Cuba?
The drop in temperatures in Cuba is caused by a mass of cold air coming from the Arctic that has affected the western region, limiting precipitation and favoring clear skies, which intensifies the cold during the early morning hours.
Which regions of Cuba have been most affected by the cold?
The western and central regions of Cuba have been the most affected by the cold, with locations such as Matanzas, Villa Clara, and Mayabeque reporting temperatures below 10 °C at several weather stations.
How are temperatures expected to change in the coming days in Cuba?
Low temperatures are expected to continue throughout much of the first half of January, with chilly mornings and moderate maximum temperatures due to the persistence of the cold air mass over the national territory.
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