The most recent cold front of this winter season has made its way into Cuba, significantly impacting the western regions and resulting in awe-inspiring photos. Numerous individuals have taken to social media to share pictures depicting the phenomenon's effects on beaches, fields, and urban areas.
Yamila Ruiz Delgado, a resident of Guanabo, captured a striking image of the beach as the cold front made its entrance. Many people expressed amazement at the sudden weather shift, seizing the moment with their smartphones. The morning sky turned dark, resembling late afternoon, and was followed by a persistent light drizzle throughout the day.
Magleny López from San Miguel del Padrón described the scene as the day turned into night with the arrival of the front. "I've never seen anything like it," she remarked. A woman living in Centro Habana echoed this sentiment, noting, "I went outside, it was sunny, and suddenly there was an abrupt change."
An anonymous housewife from the Regla municipality described the experience as "stunning," saying, "The day started off beautifully, and then suddenly it was like nighttime around 8:30 am, as if it were 11 at night. Initially, I was scared; then came the strong cold and drizzles, a very abrupt shift indeed."
Karla Casares Ortega attempted to capture the rainbow, while another woman from Havana noted, "Yes, I saw it, a very impressive black cloud turned day into night."
Meteorologist Raydel Ruisanchez shared an image of the cloud that astounded many upon the cold front's arrival. He explained, "It's an arc-shaped cloud typically linked to cold fronts. These fronts generate convective clouds due to warm air rising over cold air, sometimes forming these remarkable clouds with a menacing appearance."
In Matanzas, the city appeared ghostly at dawn. On the Facebook group "Bus Drivers Forever," user Irene Moreno warned drivers about thick fog in Marianao, cautioning, "Visibility less than 100 meters. Please, exercise extreme caution."
Similarly, in Ciego de Ávila, users alerted drivers to the dangers of fog, with meteorologist Frank Fernández Castañeda noting on Facebook, "Caution: Visibility reduced to less than 300 meters. Very dense fog affecting parts of the Avileño territory. Maximum caution!"
Satellite images captured on Thursday by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) of the United States highlighted an extensive area of clouds and rain over western Cuba, extending to the central region.
The cold front also caused significant waves along the Havana seawall, leading to flooding in El Vedado's lower areas. The strong surge, driven by northern winds, caused seawater to overflow onto the promenade and into nearby streets, as shown in videos posted by official journalist Lázaro Manuel Alonso.
Impact of the Cold Front in Cuba
What effects did the cold front have on western Cuba?
The cold front brought significant weather changes, including dark skies, drizzles, and strong winds, affecting beaches, fields, and urban areas. It also caused large waves and flooding along the Havana seawall.
How did residents react to the cold front in Cuba?
Residents were surprised by the sudden weather shift, with many capturing the moment with their phones and sharing their experiences of the sky turning dark and the onset of cold and rain.
What warnings were issued due to the cold front?
Authorities and residents issued warnings about thick fog and reduced visibility, urging drivers to exercise caution due to the dangerous driving conditions.