The end of 2025 in Cuba was marked by a significant drop in temperatures, leading into an exceptionally cold start to January 2026 across much of the nation. This was confirmed by the Institute of Meteorology (INSMET) in their Meteorological Note No. 1, issued on January 1st at 11:00 a.m.
According to INSMET's Forecast Center, after the passage of the fourth cold front of the current winter season, a migratory anticyclone of continental origin began affecting the national territory. This system brought with it a mass of colder, drier, and more stable air.
During the early hours, this system interacted with weak winds and minimal cloud cover, conditions that enhanced nighttime radiation processes, resulting in a significant drop in minimum temperatures, especially in interior regions.
Chilly Temperatures Across Provinces
Temperatures dipped below 10 °C in several provinces. The agency specified that areas between Matanzas and Camagüey experienced notably cold nights, with 10 meteorological stations recording minimum temperatures below 10 degrees Celsius.
Elsewhere across the country, lows ranged from 12 to 15 °C, with higher readings in the eastern region and coastal areas.
Among the most notable recordings (excluding mountainous stations) were:
Aguada de Pasajeros (Cienfuegos): 5.4 °C
Santo Domingo (Villa Clara): 6.6 °C
Júcaro (Ciego de Ávila): 8.4 °C
Ciego de Ávila (Ciego de Ávila): 8.8 °C
Jagüey Grande (Matanzas): 8.8 °C
Cienfuegos (Cienfuegos): 9.0 °C
Sancti Spíritus (Sancti Spíritus): 9.6 °C
Sagua la Grande (Villa Clara): 9.8 °C
La Piedrita (Villa Clara): 10.0 °C
El Jíbaro (Sancti Spíritus): 10.0 °C
An Unexpectedly Chilly January
The unexpected cold surprised many Cubans as they welcomed the New Year, confirming the local saying that "the monkey whistled" just as 2025 came to a close, and January began with a rare wintry feel for the country.
INSMET has not ruled out the continued influence of cold air masses in the coming days. They advise paying close attention to future weather reports, especially for those in interior regions.
Understanding Cuba's Weather Phenomena
What caused the unusual cold in Cuba at the start of 2026?
The unusual cold was primarily caused by a migratory anticyclone of continental origin, bringing a mass of colder, drier, and more stable air, combined with weak winds and minimal cloud cover, which facilitated nighttime radiation and temperature drops.
How low did temperatures drop in Cuba during this cold spell?
Temperatures fell below 10 °C in many areas, with the lowest recorded temperature being 5.4 °C in Aguada de Pasajeros, Cienfuegos.