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Polar Vortex and New Cold Front Bring Christmas Cold, Strong Winds and Heavy Rains to Mexico

Officials caution about subzero mountain lows alongside dangerous marine conditions through December 26.

Overview

  • The system is entering through the northwest, with Baja California and Sonora forecast to see the strongest impacts including 50–70 km/h gusts on land, 40–60 km/h over the Gulf of California, and 1.5–2.5 m Pacific waves.
  • SMN projects possible snow or sleet in the Sierra de San Pedro Mártir, with mountain minimums of −10 to −5 °C in ranges of Baja California, Chihuahua and Durango.
  • Low-pressure features and upper-level instability are driving heavy to very heavy rain in Veracruz, Oaxaca, Chiapas and Tabasco, extending to Campeche, Yucatán and Quintana Roo.
  • North-component winds of 60–80 km/h are expected across the Isthmus and Gulf of Tehuantepec, posing additional risks for transport and coastal operations.
  • Cold, windy and showery conditions are forecast to persist through December 26, with frost in northern and central highlands and guidance to protect vulnerable people and check travel plans.