Mexico: Adverse weather conditions forecast across much of the country through at least Jan. 29

Adverse weather conditions are forecast across much of Mexico through at least Jan. 29. A cold front is expected to enter northern and northwestern Mexico late Jan. 26 and will move over northeastern, central, and eastern regions Jan. 27 and southeastern regions Jan. 28. The system will bring showers, storms, and strong winds to eastern, northeastern, and southeastern regions over the coming days. The front will draw in a mass of cold air behind it, leading to a drop in temperatures over central, eastern, northern, and northeastern regions; snowfall and sleet are possible over the summits of the Pico de Orizaba and Cofre volcanoes Jan. 27-29 and over the highest peaks of central Mexico Jan. 29. The front will also drive a surge of cold winds known as a Norte event, which will bring strong gusts and rough seas to eastern coastal areas Jan. 27-28 and southeastern coastal areas and the Gulf and Isthmus of Tehuantepec Jan. 28-29; winds gusting up to 110 kph (68 mph) and waves up to 4 meters (13 feet) are possible in affected areas. Western and central regions will remain largely dry through Jan. 28, with scattered showers forecast Jan. 29.

Daily rainfall totals of 7.5-15 cm (3-6 inches) are expected in parts of Chiapas, Oaxaca, Tabasco, and Veracruz Jan. 27-28 and Puebla Jan. 27. Totals of 5-7.5 cm (2-3 inches) are forecast in parts of Campeche and Quintana Roo Jan. 27-28, Yucatan Jan. 27, and Chiapas and Tabasco Jan. 29. The heavy downpours could trigger flooding in low-lying areas and landslides on unstable slopes.

Sustained heavy rainfall could trigger flooding in low-lying communities near rivers, streams, and creeks. Urban flooding is also possible in developed areas with easily overwhelmed stormwater drainage systems. Sites downstream from large reservoirs or rivers may be subject to flash flooding after relatively short periods of intense rainfall. Landslides are possible in hilly or mountainous areas, especially where heavy rainfall has saturated the soil.

The severe weather could contribute to transport disruptions throughout affected regions. Floodwaters and debris flows may render some bridges, rail networks, or roadways impassable, impacting overland travel in and around affected areas. Ponding on road surfaces could cause hazardous driving conditions on regional highways. Authorities could temporarily close some low-lying routes that become inundated by floodwaters.

Severe weather may also trigger flight delays and cancellations at airports across the affected region. Authorities may temporarily suspend port operations along the Pacific and Gulf of Mexico coasts if strong winds trigger hazardous sea conditions, impacting freight and passenger maritime traffic. Flooding could block regional rail lines; freight and passenger train delays and cancellations are likely in areas with heavy rainfall and potential track inundation.