An intense cold wave from the Arctic is impacting Central America, bringing temperatures to levels not seen in more than three decades in countries like El Salvador, Guatemala, and Honduras.
Impact of the Arctic cold in Central America
In Guatemala, the extreme cold is wreaking havoc in the highlands. The National Institute of Seismology, Volcanology, Meteorology, and Hydrology (Insivumeh) has forecast temperatures as low as -3°C in areas like Todos Santos Cuchumatán in Huehuetenango. This phenomenon is linked to the passage of cold front number 11 and a high-pressure system.
Meanwhile, El Salvador has recorded a historic low in Santa Ana with a minimum temperature of 3.5°C, surpassing the previous record from 1988. The Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources (MARN) attributes this to the “Northerly Winds” and has issued precautionary recommendations due to the low temperatures.
In Honduras, the Permanent Contingency Commission (Copeco) has warned of unusually cold temperatures in Tegucigalpa, with lows between 9°C and 12°C. The population must take measures to protect themselves from the adverse weather.
Costa Rica has not escaped this cold wave either. In San José, the National Meteorological Institute (IMN) reported a temperature of 12.2°C, the lowest in more than 30 years. This event is also due to an active cold front, the 13th of the season, which has caused strong winds and rain.
According to the extended forecast from CENAOS for Honduras, another cold front is expected to enter on February 6, with an increase in winds and precipitation in the north and northwest of the country.
This weather phenomenon is challenging the infrastructure and agriculture in the region, which is not adequately prepared for extreme cold, and could have a significant impact on the local economy.
