On Monday morning, Cuba experienced one of its coldest dawns in recent years, with temperatures plummeting to a chilly 34.5°F in Indio Hatuey, located in the province of Matanzas. This information was released by the Cuban Institute of Meteorology (INSMET).
According to Meteorological Note No. 1, issued at 10:00 a.m. on February 2, 28 meteorological stations across the nation reported temperatures below 50°F. This cold wave is attributed to a migrating high-pressure system bringing a frigid, dry Arctic air mass, combined with light winds and clear skies that enhanced significant nocturnal cooling.
State journalist Lázaro Manuel Alonso reported that the Indio Hatuey weather station in Matanzas recorded a minimum temperature of 34.5°F, setting a new record for February in that region of the country.
The previous record was set on February 18, 1996, when the temperature fell to 36.3°F, as noted by meteorologist Ailyn Caridad Jústiz Águila.
Other notable low temperatures include 38.1°F in Jagüey Grande (Matanzas), 39.9°F in Aguada de Pasajeros (Cienfuegos), 41°F in Playa Girón (Matanzas), and 41.2°F in Venezuela (Ciego de Ávila).
Unusual temperatures were also reported in eastern Cuba, such as 44.2°F in Jucarito (Granma), 45.7°F at Frank País airport in Holguín, and 46°F in Veguitas (Granma).
INSMET noted that these winter conditions would persist throughout the day nationwide, with maximum temperatures ranging between 64°F and 70°F, reaching up to 73°F in some southern areas.
Experts described the event as a "remarkably cold" dawn, characteristic of an Arctic air surge impacting much of the Caribbean and the southeastern United States, causing an unprecedented temperature drop during this winter season.
Meteorologist Raydel Ruisánchez warned that the cold spell is not over yet, with a new cold front expected to reach western Cuba on Thursday, February 5, causing temperatures to drop again and maintaining winter-like conditions for the remainder of the week.
He explained that forecast models for Havana indicate a slight warming mid-week, although temperatures will remain cool, followed by another significant drop on Friday, which could extend the streak of low temperatures across the country.
Understanding Cuba's Unusual Cold Weather
What caused the recent cold snap in Cuba?
The recent cold snap in Cuba was caused by a high-pressure system moving in, bringing a cold, dry Arctic air mass, combined with light winds and clear skies that enhanced nocturnal cooling.
When was the previous record low temperature in Matanzas?
The previous record low temperature in Matanzas was 36.3°F, recorded on February 18, 1996.
Are more cold fronts expected in Cuba soon?
Yes, another cold front is expected to reach western Cuba on February 5, which could cause another temperature drop and maintain winter conditions for the rest of the week.