Central America is experiencing an extraordinary cold wave, primarily affecting Guatemala, Honduras, and El Salvador, with record-breaking temperatures as low as -2°C in some mountainous areas. In El Salvador, temperatures dropped to an unprecedented 3.5°C at a coffee farm in Santa Ana, surpassing the previous record of 4°C set in 1988. Honduras is seeing minimum temperatures of 2°C and maximums of 11°C in Intibucá, while other parts of the country will range from 5°C in elevated areas to 32°C near the Pacific coast. Nicaragua also forecasts temperatures around 16°C in Jinotega, 18°C in the north, and 21-24°C elsewhere, attributed to an approaching cold front.
Authorities have issued warnings for strong winds across the region, from Guatemala to Panama, with gusts up to 40 km/h that could cause roof damage, falling trees, and power outages. In Guatemala, strong north winds (35-45 km/h) are expected, while El Salvador anticipates winds between 10-25 km/h with gusts up to 70 km/h. Panama, which will maintain average temperatures of 22°C during the day and 15°C at night, is alerting to windy conditions with speeds of 20-35 km/h and gusts over 40 km/h. Costa Rica has issued warnings for gusts of up to 110 km/h in the mountainous regions of Guanacaste, posing risks of landslides and rough seas.
