On Tuesday, several provinces in eastern and central Cuba are expected to experience heavy rain and thunderstorms, particularly in the interior and southern areas stretching from Camagüey to Guantánamo. This forecast was shared by Cuban meteorologist Raydel Ruisánchez, who cited global and local scale models as the basis for this prediction.
In a social media post, Ruisánchez advised the public to exercise caution due to the potential severity of thunderstorms and their possible dangerous impact on vulnerable regions. He also noted that, in the western part of the country, such weather events would be more isolated, primarily affecting interior and northern areas.
Recently, the meteorologist warned that the first tropical wave of the season would move across the Caribbean, south of Cuba, leading to a significant increase in rain and thunderstorms across the nation. According to his Facebook update, this system, combined with intense daytime heating, local factors, and a cyclonic circulation in the upper atmosphere, is expected to enhance showers, rain, and thunderstorms, especially during the afternoon hours.
The forecast indicates a rise in rainfall beginning Tuesday in the eastern region, with potential expansion to the rest of the country in the following days. Ruisánchez mentioned that they will be closely monitoring the system's progression and the possible occurrence of intense rains and even severe storms, which are common during this part of Cuba's rainy season.
This new episode of atmospheric instability follows a low-intensity tornado reported on Sunday near the José Martí International Airport in Havana. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has released its official forecast for the 2025 Atlantic hurricane season, suggesting it will be "above average" with a high likelihood of significant storms.
NOAA's report, presented at a press conference just days before the official start of the season (which runs from June 1 to November 30), predicts the formation of 13 to 19 named storms, 6 to 10 of which could become hurricanes, with 3 to 5 potentially reaching major hurricane status (Category 3 or higher). This outlook is attributed to several key climatic factors: warmer than usual sea surface temperatures in the Atlantic and Caribbean, a neutral phase of the El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO), which does not inhibit cyclone development as an active El Niño would, and a more intense West African monsoon, which can generate more tropical waves, often the "seeds" of hurricanes.
Frequently Asked Questions about Cuba's Severe Weather Conditions
What areas in Cuba are most affected by the storms?
The eastern and central provinces, particularly the interior and southern regions from Camagüey to Guantánamo, are expected to be most affected by the severe weather.
How does NOAA predict the 2025 hurricane season will compare to previous years?
NOAA forecasts that the 2025 hurricane season will be above average, with a high probability of significant storms, due to several climatic factors including warmer sea surface temperatures and an intense West African monsoon.
Why are thunderstorms particularly dangerous in Cuba?
Thunderstorms are dangerous due to their potential to cause severe effects in vulnerable areas, such as intense rains and severe storms that can lead to flooding and infrastructure damage.