The Center for Forecasting at Cuba's Institute of Meteorology (INSMET) issued a warning this Thursday about the potential for showers, rain, and thunderstorms during the late afternoon and evening hours across much of the nation.
The daily report from this government entity indicates that “in the afternoon, much of the national territory will experience cloudiness with some showers, rain, and thunderstorms, which will be more numerous in the interior and northern coastal locales of the central and western regions.”
Furthermore, it mentions that bad weather “will persist until the early evening hours and may be strong in specific locations,” with maximum temperatures expected to range between 32 and 35 degrees Celsius. As an additional note, INSMET stated that in areas with showers and thunderstorms, wind strength and wave height could increase.
Journalist Lázaro Manuel Alonso echoed the report on Facebook, stating that “from today, the likelihood of rain increases across the country, as explained by the Meteorology department.” He added, “Typical for the month of June, with thunderstorms included. Due to the heat, severe weather events cannot be ruled out. Central Cuba and parts of the east are expected to see a lot of activity today, as shown by the satellite at this hour.”
Just yesterday, a tornado caused damage to around twenty homes and the electrical grid in the town of San Antonio de Cabezas, located in the Unión de Reyes municipality in Matanzas. Despite the scare, fortunately, no injuries or fatalities were reported.
Marixma Miyares, director of the Provincial Meteorological Center, clarified that the damage was the result of a "severe local storm" accompanied by strong winds, not a tornado. However, those who experienced it firsthand continue to identify the phenomenon as a tornado. Residents confirmed that it passed through a part of the town three times and felt extremely strong.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cuba's Weather Forecast
Given the recent weather alerts and events, here are some common questions and answers that may help provide more clarity on the situation.
What areas of Cuba are expected to be most affected by the thunderstorms?
The thunderstorms are expected to be most numerous in the interior and northern coastal areas of the central and western regions of Cuba.
How long will the bad weather persist?
The bad weather is expected to persist until the early evening hours.
What were the recent weather-related damages in San Antonio de Cabezas?
A severe local storm caused damage to around twenty homes and the electrical grid, although it was initially mistaken for a tornado by residents.