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A new cold front will begin to affect the western part of Cuba this Monday, January 26, bringing a significant drop in temperatures and winter conditions that will last for several days, according to official weather alerts.
The authorities have issued precautionary warnings for the population, and it is expected that the winter-like feel will persist until early February.
A mass of cold, dry air will dominate much of the country
The Forecast Center of the Institute of Meteorology (INSMET) confirmed that following the arrival of the cold front to the western region in the late afternoon to evening of this Monday, a mass of cold, dry air of continental origin will begin to influence the archipelago.
This phenomenon will be responsible for creating “winter conditions in the West and Center over the next few days,” as explained by Licenciado Ariel Maturell Salina, chief specialist of the institution, in statements to the newspaper Granma.
“The factor will lead to the predominance of winter conditions (…) with a decrease in maximum and minimum temperatures,” the expert specified, who also indicated that the forecasting models anticipate the arrival of another cold front for the upcoming weekend.
This could extend the period of low temperatures until early February, so the population is advised to "keep their coats ready."
Detailed forecast: Rain, northern winds, and waves in the west
Cuban meteorologist Raydel Ruisánchez detailed on his Facebook page that the cold front will move over the island starting Monday afternoon.
"Before its arrival," he explained, "a flow of more humid air combined with the day's warming and other local factors could lead to showers in various areas of the country's interior."
“In addition, showers and rain are expected directly associated with the cold front, which will occur in the afternoon and evening towards the western region,” warned the specialist.
With the arrival of the front, northern winds will begin to strengthen in western Cuba, with speeds estimated between 15 and 30 km/h and higher gusts, which will also cause an increase in swell along the northwestern coast.
Starting Tuesday the 27th, temperatures will drop significantly.
"A significant drop in temperatures is expected, with winter conditions continuing throughout the week,” announced Ruisánchez, who promised to provide updates with more precise figures on the anticipated temperature records.
Fog warning and precautions for drivers
During the morning of this Monday, banks of fog and mist were also reported in various areas of the western region, a common phenomenon before the passage of cold fronts, but one that poses a danger to road traffic.
Ruisánchez issued a series of recommendations to the public, particularly for those who need to travel in vehicles.
Issued recommendations:
-Drive carefully and reduce speed.
-Maintain a safe distance from other vehicles.
-Use the low beam headlights of the cars.
-Avoid making unnecessary trips until conditions improve.
These kinds of warnings, although common in the Cuban winter, become especially significant during days of abrupt changes in weather conditions, where transit and visibility are compromised.
A winter season more active than usual
The current winter season has been more active than in previous years, with several cold fronts crossing the island in recent weeks.
This new episode of thermal decline is accompanied by sustained winds, occasional rains, and alerts for land and maritime transport, affecting not only the west but potentially also central areas of the country.
As the next weekend approaches, forecast models indicate that another cold front may be moving toward the national territory, extending the wintry feel and keeping a large part of the island under cold and unstable weather conditions.
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