Western Cuba is experiencing a significant drop in temperatures, dipping below 68 degrees Fahrenheit (20 degrees Celsius) as a cold front makes its way through the region. The Cuban Institute of Meteorology (INSMET) reported at 11:00 am that maximum temperatures in the west will range between 77 and 82 degrees Fahrenheit (25 to 28 °C), while the rest of the country will see slightly higher temperatures, particularly in the southeastern areas.
As night falls, temperatures are expected to decrease further, reaching between 66 and 72 degrees Fahrenheit (19 to 22 °C) in the western and central parts, and between 72 and 77 degrees Fahrenheit (22 to 25 °C) in the east. Besides the temperature drop, INSMET has forecasted some afternoon and evening showers in the central region.
Yosmelvi Páez Cornell, who runs the Facebook channel "Aficionados a la Meteorología" (AALM), provided further insights. He noted that as the cold front exits western Cuba and moves towards the central region, cooler air will begin to influence the west, bringing subtle weather changes, especially along the northern coast.
"Starting tomorrow, Friday the 22nd, and continuing through the weekend, the colder air mass will exert more influence over the nation, introducing winter-like conditions," Páez Cornell emphasized.
On Wednesday, the Institute of Meteorology issued Special Warning No.1, alerting the public to rain, showers, and thunderstorms in the western region, associated with this cold front. The front is accompanied by extensive cloud cover and storm activity.
Meteorological radar images from Casa Blanca, Havana, and La Bajada in Pinar del Río have detected intense storm activity stretching approximately 310 miles from the northern Yucatán Peninsula to Key West. This could lead to heavy rainfall in some western locations, particularly in Pinar del Río, Artemisa, and Havana.
"Inland areas and the northern coast experiencing strong storm activity may face severe weather events, such as strong wind gusts, hail, and other severe occurrences," the warning added.
This cold front marks the first of the winter season to reach Cuba, promising cooler temperatures alongside showers and rain in the western region. The front was heralded by a prefrontal band with intense shower activity, rain, and thunderstorms, as meteorologist Raydel Ruisánchez shared on social media.