A severe cold air mass originating from the Arctic began sweeping into Cuban territory on Sunday, February 1, according to reports from the Institute of Meteorology of the Republic of Cuba.
The radio station CMHW La Reina Radial del Centro indicated that this weather event will cause a substantial drop in temperatures across much of the island until Wednesday, February 4. The chill factor could pose a significant risk to individuals who are not adequately dressed or those who are exposed to the cold for extended periods.
Historic Cold Records in Cuba's Meteorological History
Among the most notable cold records in Cuba is the national low of 0.6 °C, recorded at the Bainoa station in Mayabeque province on February 18, 1996. This remains the only official temperature below 1 °C ever documented in Cuba.
Other significant historical lows include 1.0 °C recorded in Unión de Reyes, Matanzas, during the infamous "Great Cold" of January 1971, and 1.5 °C measured at Indio Hatuey, Matanzas, on January 16, 2023, an event that saw frost reported in the protected area of Pico San Juan, Cienfuegos.
Additionally, the Güira de Melena station in Artemisa documented a chilling 1.8 °C on February 11, 1917, during what is known as "the cold of the century" in the western region. In 2022, Indio Hatuey again noted 2.0 °C, with frost appearing in the interior western parts of Cuba.
Meteorological authorities have cautioned that current conditions might lead to extremely low temperatures, though it's yet to be seen if the cold snap at the beginning of February 2026 will join the annals of Cuba's most memorable climate events.
The data is sourced from the network of meteorological stations operated by the Institute of Meteorology of the Republic of Cuba.
Commonly Asked Questions About Cold Fronts in Cuba
What are the potential dangers of the current Arctic cold front in Cuba?
The Arctic cold front could lead to dangerously low temperatures, which might pose a risk to people who are not properly dressed or those who are exposed to the cold for long periods.
What is the coldest temperature ever recorded in Cuba?
The coldest temperature officially recorded in Cuba is 0.6 °C at the Bainoa station in Mayabeque province on February 18, 1996.
How does the current cold front compare to historical cold events in Cuba?
While the current cold front has brought significant temperature drops, it is uncertain if it will reach the historical lows recorded in events like the "Great Cold" of January 1971 or the cold snap of February 1917.