Central American Cold Surges

[vbhoutex]

:eek: I'm impressed you already had a frost, could this be an isolated case or the start of a cooler than normal cold front season? Quetzaltenango is one of the coldest (if not the coldest) places in Central America and I will really appreciate if you post the lowest temperature of your location during cold fronts.

That is insane!! Frost in CA before we even get close to it here in TX!! That really shows what elevation does to temps!!

[Macrocane]

A long lived cold surge event affected Central America from November 4 to November 9, it was unusually cold for november and brought temperatures that are more common in Decemeber or January this time Nicaragua and Costa Rica experienced the effects of the cold surge too. The observations:

Belize city, Belize

11/04/2010
High: 27 °C (81 °F), Low: 23 °C (73 °F), winds: 20 km/h (13 mph)
11/05/2010
High: 25 °C (77 °F), Low: 21 °C (70 °F), winds: 25 km/h (16 mph)
11/06/2010
High: 28 °C (82 °F), Low: 17 °C (63 °F), winds: 25 km/h (16 mph)
11/07/2010
High: 27 °C (81 °F), Low: 16 °C (61 °F), winds: 20 km/h (13 mph)
11/08/2010
High: 27 °C (81 °F), Low: 18 °C (64 °F), winds: 20 km/h (13 mph)

Guatemala city, Guatemala

11/04/2010
High: 21 °C (70 °F), Low: 13 °C (55 °F), winds: 40 km/h (25 mph)
11/05/2010
High: 22 °C (72 °F), Low: 12 °C (53 °F), winds: 45 km/h (28 mph)
11/06/2010
High: 19 °C (66 °F), Low: 11 °C (52 °F), winds: 50 km/h (31 mph)
11/07/2010
High: 21 °C (69 °F), Low: 9 °C (48 °F), winds: 45 km/h (28 mph)
11/08/2010
High: 22 °C (72 °F), Low: 9 °C (48 °F), winds: 35 km/h (22 mph)
11/09/2010
High: 21 °C (70 °F), Low: 9 °C (48 °F), winds: 25 km/h (16 mph)

In Quetzaltenango a minimum temperature of 3.9°C (39.0°F) was registered on November 9.

Tegucigalpa, Honduras

11/04/2010
High: 27 °C (81°F), Low: 15 °C (59 °F), winds: 50 km/h (31 mph)
11/05/2010
High: 23 °C (73 °F), Low: 12 °C (54 °F), winds: 50 km/h (31 mph)
11/06/2010
High: 22 °C (72 °F), Low: 12 °C (54 °F), winds: 45 km/h (28 mph)
11/07/2010
High: 22 °C (72 °F), Low: 12 °C (54 °F), winds: 40 km/h (25 mph)
11/08/2010
High: 23 °C (73 °F), Low: 11 °C (52 °F), winds: 35 km/h (22 mph)
11/09/2010
High: 24 °C (75 °F), Low: 11 °C (52 °F), winds: 25 km/h (16 mph)

In La Esperanza a temperature of 8°C (46°F) was registered on November 9.

San Salvador, El Salvador

11/04/2010
High: 28.7 °C (83.7°F), Low: 17.1 °C (62.8 °F), winds: 30 km/h (19 mph)
11/05/2010
High: 28.0 °C (82.4 °F), Low: 15.7 °C (60.3 °F), winds: 40 km/h (25 mph)
11/06/2010
High: 25.7 °C (78.3 °F), Low: 15.8 °C (60.4 °F), winds: 45 km/h (28 mph)
11/07/2010
High: 26.7 °C (80.1 °F), Low: 14.9 °C (58.8 °F), winds: 35 km/h (22 mph)
11/08/2010
High: 27.1 °C (80.8 °F), Low: 14.6 °C (58.3 °F), winds: 30 km/h (19 mph)
11/09/2010
High: 27.9 °C (82.2 °F), Low: 14.3 °C (57.7 °F), winds: 20 km/h (13 mph)

The lowest temperature in El Salvador was 5.2 °C (41.4 °F) on November 9 in Las Pilas (northern El Salvador) and a wind gust of 67 km/h (42 mph) was registered in Ishuatan (western mountains of El Salvador) on november 6.

Managua, Nicaragua

11/04/2010
High: 32 °C (90 °F), Low: 24 °C (75 °F), winds: 20 km/h (13 mph)
11/05/2010
High: 31 °C (88 °F), Low: 22 °C (72 °F), winds: 25 km/h (16 mph)
11/06/2010
High: 30 °C (86 °F), Low: 21 °C (70 °F), winds: 45 km/h (28 mph)
11/07/2010
High: 31 °C (88 °F), Low: 19 °C (66 °F), winds: 45 km/h (28 mph)
11/08/2010
High: 30 °C (86 °F), Low: 18 °C (64 °F), winds: 30 km/h (19 mph)
11/09/2010
High: 30 °C (86 °F), Low: 18 °C (64 °F), winds: 25 km/h (16 mph)

In Ocotal a temperature of 10 °C (50 °F) was registered on November 8.

San Jose, Costa Rica

11/05/2010
High: 22 °C (72 °F), Low: 18 °C (64 °F), winds: 20 km/h (13 mph)
11/06/2010
High: 24 °C (75 °F), Low: 17 °C (63 °F), winds: 45 km/h (28 mph)
11/07/2010
High: 25 °C (77 °F), Low: 17 °C (63 °F), winds: 45 km/h (28 mph)
11/08/2010
High: 23 °C (73 °F), Low: 16 °C (61 °F), winds: 40 km/h (25 mph)
11/09/2010
High: 27 °C (81 °F), Low: 15 °C (59 °F), winds: 40 km/h (25 mph)

[Macrocane]

A long lived cold surge event affected Central America from December 1 to December 5, a new cold surge began on December 6 and is still affecting us so I will post those observations tomorrow. These are the observations from the December 1-5 event:

Belize city, Belize

12/01/2010
High: 28 °C (82 °F), Low: 22 °C (72 °F), winds: 30 km/h (19 mph)
12/02/2010
High: 24 °C (75 °F), Low: 20 °C (68 °F), winds: 20 km/h (13 mph)
12/03/2010
High: 27°C (81 °F), Low: 20 °C (68 °F), winds: 20 km/h (13 mph)
12/04/2010
High: 27 °C (81 °F), Low: 18 °C (64 °F), winds: 15 km/h (9 mph)

Wind gusts of 50 km/h were registered on December 1st.

Guatemala city, Guatemala

12/01/2010
High: 23.3 °C (73.9 °F), Low: 15 °C (59 °F), winds: 44 km/h (28 mph)
12/02/2010
High: 22.9 °C (73.2 °F), Low: 14.6 °C (58.3 °F), winds: 45 km/h (28 mph)
12/03/2010
High: 22.2°C (72 °F), Low: 14.4 °C (57.9 °F), winds: 30 km/h (19 mph)
12/04/2010
High: 24 °C (75.2 °F), Low: 11.7 °C (53.1 °F), winds: 30 km/h (19 mph)
12/05/2010
High: 24 °C (75.2 °F), Low: 10.2 °C (50.4 °F), winds: 30 km/h (19 mph)

In Quetzaltenango a minimum temperature of 5.6°C (42.1.0°F) was registered on December 5 and wind gusts up to 56 km/h (35 mph) were registered on December 1st.

Tegucigalpa, Honduras

12/01/2010
High: 27 °C (81 °F), Low: 17 °C (63 °F), winds: 32 km/h (28 mph)
12/02/2010
High: 26 °C (79 °F), Low: 15 °C (59 °F), winds: 32 km/h (28 mph)
12/03/2010
High: 24 °C (75 °F), Low: 15 °C (59 °F), winds: 30 km/h (19 mph)
12/04/2010
High: 25 °C (77 °F), Low: 15 °C (59 °F), winds: 33 km/h (19 mph)
12/05/2010
High: 24 °C (75 °F), Low: 14 °C (57 °F), winds: 24 km/h (19 mph)

In La Esperanza a temperature of 9°C (46°F) was registered on December 5 and wind gusts up to 46 km/h (29 mph) were registered on December 1 and 2.

San Salvador, El Salvador

12/01/2010
High: 30.8 °C (87.4 °F), Low: 18.4 °C (65.1 °F), winds: 25 km/h (16 mph)
12/02/2010
High: 30 °C (86 °F), Low: 17.1 °C (62.8 °F), winds: 25 km/h (16 mph)
12/03/2010
High: 29.2 °C (84.6 °F), Low: 17.1 °C (62.8 °F), winds: 25 km/h (16 mph)
12/04/2010
High: 29.3 °C (84.7 °F), Low: 16.2 °C (61.2 °F), winds: 25 km/h (16 mph)
12/05/2010
High: 30 °C (86 °F), Low: 15.9 °C (60.6 °F), winds: 20km/h (13 mph)

The lowest temperature in El Salvador was 7.7 °C (45.9 °F) on December 5 in Las Pilas and a wind gusts of 46 km/h (29 mph) were registered Ishuatain on December 2.

Managua, Nicaragua

12/01/2010
High: 31 °C (88 °F), Low: 22 °C (72 °F), winds: 25 km/h (16 mph)
12/02/2010
High: 32 °C (90 °F), Low: 20 °C (68 °F), winds: 25 km/h (16 mph)
12/03/2010
High: 32 °C (90 °F), Low: 19 °C (66 °F) , winds: 25 km/h (16 mph)
12/04/2010
High: 31 °C (88 °F), Low: 20 °C (68 °F), winds: 25 km/h (16 mph)
12/05/2010
High: 31 °C (88 °F), Low: 20 °C (68 °F), winds: 20km/h (13 mph)

San Jose, Costa Rica

12/02/2010
High: 25 °C (77 °F), Low: 17 °C (63 °F), winds: 30 km/h (19 mph)
12/03/2010
High: 26 °C (79 °F), Low: 17 °C (63 °F), winds: 30 km/h (19 mph)
12/04/2010
High: 26 °C (79 °F), Low: 17 °C (63 °F), winds: 30 km/h (19 mph)
12/05/2010
High: 26 °C (79 °F), Low: 16 °C (61 °F), winds: 25 km/h (16 mph)

Wind gusts of 43 km/h (27 mph) were registered on December 2.

[Macrocane]

These are the observations from the cold front of earlier this week, it was shorter-lived but it was a little colder:

Belize city, Belize

12/06/2010
High: 26 °C (79 °F), Low: 20 °C (68 °F), winds: 20 km/h (13 mph)
12/07/2010
High: 25 °C (77 °F), Low: 18 °C (64 °F), winds: 20 km/h (13 mph)
12/08/2010
High: 26°C (79 °F), Low: 17 °C (63 °F) , winds: 15 km/h (9 mph)

Guatemala city, Guatemala

12/06/2010
High: 20 °C (68 °F), Low: 12 °C (54 °F), winds: 40 km/h (25 mph)
12/07/2010
High: 22 °C (72 °F), Low: 11 °C (52 °F), winds: 35 km/h (22 mph)
12/08/2010
High: 25°C (77 °F), Low: 10.5 °C (51 °F) , winds: 25 km/h (16 mph)

In Quetzaltenango a minimum temperature of 1°C (33.8°F) was registered on December 7 and wind gusts up to 60 km/h (38 mph) were registered on December 6.

Tegucigalpa, Honduras

12/06/2010
High: 23 °C (73 °F), Low: 15 °C (59 °F), winds: 30 km/h (19 mph)
12/07/2010
High: 23 °C (73 °F), Low: 15 °C (59 °F), winds: 30 km/h (19 mph)
12/08/2010
High: 26°C (79 °F), Low: 14 °C (57 °F) , winds: 25 km/h (16 mph)

In La Esperanza a temperature of 8.5°C (47.3°F) was registered on December 8.

San Salvador, El Salvador

12/06/2010
High: 28.9 °C (84 °F), Low: 16.5 °C (61.7 °F), winds: 30 km/h (19 mph)
12/07/2010
High: 28.9 °C (84 °F), Low: 16.8 °C (62.2 °F), winds: 35 km/h (22 mph)
12/08/2010
High: 28.9 °C (84 °F), Low: 14.6 °C (58.3 °F) , winds: 20 km/h (13 mph)

The lowest temperature in El Salvador was 6.5 °C (43.7 °F) on December 8 in Las Pilas, that's the 2nd lowest temperature on that location so far this season. Wind gusts of 65 km/h (41 mph) were registered Ishuatan on December 7.

Managua, Nicaragua

12/07/2010
High: 32 °C (90 °F), Low: 22 °C (72 °F), winds: 20 km/h (13 mph)
12/08/2010
High: 32 °C (90 °F), Low: 21 °C (70 °F), winds: 20 km/h (13 mph)

San Jose, Costa Rica

12/07/2010
High: 23 °C (73 °F), Low: 17 °C (63 °F), winds: 40 km/h (25 mph)
12/08/2010
High: 24 °C (75 °F), Low: 17 °C (63 °F), winds: 30 km/h (19 mph)

Wind gusts of 50 km/h (31 mph) were registered on December 7 in Costa Rica.

[rhoby13]

Thank you for the updates. I enjoy seeing how far south these cold fronts make it.

[Macrocane]

You're welcome, it's nice to see the good reception that this thread has had. A very strong cold surge affected us between December 9 and December 11 it was short lived but produced very low temperatures from Belize to El Salvador, some high locations even experienced a frost.

OBSERVATIONS FROM THE STRONGEST COLD FRONT SO FAR THIS SEASON

Belize city, Belize

12/09/2010
High: 27 °C (81 °F), Low: 19 °C (66 °F), winds: 25 km/h (16 mph)
12/10/2010
High: 26 °C (79 °F), Low: 16 °C (61 °F) , winds: 15 km/h (9 mph)

Guatemala city, Guatemala

12/09/2010
High: 20 °C (68 °F), Low: 11 °C (51.8 °F), winds: 45 km/h (28 mph)
12/10/2010
High: 21 °C (70 °F), Low: 8.9 °C (48.0 °F), winds: 35 km/h (22 mph)
12/11/2010
High: 25°C (77 °F), Low: 8.3 °C (46.9 °F) , winds: 25 km/h (16 mph)

In Quetzaltenango a minimum temperature of -5.6°C (21.9°F) was registered on December 11 that's a record low on that station and wind gusts up to 60 km/h (38 mph) were registered on December 9.

Tegucigalpa, Honduras

12/09/2010
High: 24 °C (75 °F), Low: 14 °C (57 °F), winds: 50 km/h (31 mph)
12/10/2010
High: 24 °C (75 °F), Low: 12 °C (54 °F), winds: 35 km/h (22 mph)
12/11/2010
High: 26°C (79 °F), Low: 10 °C (50 °F) , winds: 20 km/h (13 mph)

In La Esperanza a temperature of 6°C (43°F) was registered on December 11.

San Salvador, El Salvador

12/09/2010
High: 28.7 °C (84 °F), Low: 14.0 °C (61.7 °F) , winds: 35 km/h (22 mph)
12/10/2010
High: 28.3 °C (84 °F), Low: 14.5 °C (62.2 °F), winds: 30 km/h (19 mph)
12/11/2010
High: 29.4 °C (84 °F), Low: 15.1 °C (58.3 °F), winds: 20 km/h (13 mph)

The lowest temperature in El Salvador was 3.3 °C (37.9 °F) on December 11 in Las Pilas, the lowest temperature this season in El Salvador and the record low ever on that station. Wind gusts of 55 km/h (34 mph) were registered on December 9.

Managua, Nicaragua

12/10/2010
High: 31 °C (88 °F), Low: 18 °C (64 °F), winds: 25 km/h (16 mph)
12/11/2010
High: 30 °C (86 °F), Low: 18 °C (64 °F), winds: 25 km/h (16 mph)

San Jose, Costa Rica

12/10/2010
High: 25 °C (77 °F), Low: 17 °C (63 °F), winds: 30 km/h (19 mph)
12/11/2010
High: 27 °C (81 °F), Low: 16 °C (61 °F) , winds: 30 km/h (19 mph)

Wind gusts of 50 km/h (31 mph) were registered on December 10 in Costa Rica.

[Macrocane]

EXTREMELY LOW TEMPERATURES IN CENTRAL AMERICA DECEMBER 13-16 2010

Between December 13 and December 16 a high pressure system and associated cold front produced in Central America moderate to strong winds and very low temperatures that hadn't been registered since at least november 2006. The observations:

Belize city, Belize

12/13/2010
High: 25 °C (77 °F), Low: 18 °C (64 °F), winds: 20 km/h (13 mph)
12/14/2010
High: 23 °C (73 °F), Low: 16 °C (61 °F), winds: 20 km/h (13 mph)
12/15/2010
High: 24 °C (75 °F), Low: 13 °C (55 °F) , winds: 15 km/h (9 mph)

Guatemala city, Guatemala

12/13/2010
High: 19.4 °C (66.9 °F), Low: 10.5 °C (50.9 °F), winds: 50 km/h (31 mph)
12/14/2010
High: 18.0 °C (64.4 °F), Low: 8.0 °C (46.4 °F) , winds: 40 km/h (25 mph)
12/15/2010
High: 24.0 °C (75.2 °F), Low: 8.5 °C (47.3 °F), winds: 30 km/h (19 mph)
12/16/2010
High: 24.0 °C (75.2 °F), Low: 8.3 °C (46.9 °F), winds: 25 km/h (16 mph)

In Quetzaltenango a minimum temperature of -5.0°C (23.0°F) was registered on December 16 and wind gusts up to 60 km/h (38 mph) were registered on December 13.

Tegucigalpa, Honduras

12/13/2010
High: 23 °C (73 °F), Low: 14 °C (57 °F), winds: 40 km/h (25 mph)
12/14/2010
High: 21 °C (70 °F), Low: 12 °C (54 °F), winds: 35 km/h (22 mph)
12/15/2010
High: 23°C (73 °F), Low: 8 °C (46 °F) , winds: 20 km/h (13 mph)
12/16/2010
High: 27°C (81 °F), Low: 8 °C (46 °F) , winds: 20 km/h (13 mph)

In La Esperanza a temperature of 3°C (37.4°F) was registered on December 16 and wind gusts of 52 km/h (33 mph) were registered on december 13.

San Salvador, El Salvador

12/13/2010
High: 26.8 °C (80.2 °F), Low: 14.3 °C (57.7 °F), winds: 40 km/h (25 mph)
12/14/2010
High: 26.1 °C (79.0 °F), Low: 13.7 °C (56.7 °F), winds: 35 km/h (22 mph)
12/15/2010
High: 26.1 °C (79.0 °F), Low: 12.7 °C (54.9 °F), winds: 25 km/h (16 mph)
12/16/2010
High: 27.3 °C (81.1 °F), Low: 12.4 °C (54.3 °F) , winds: 20 km/h (13 mph)

The lowest temperature in El Salvador was 1.2 °C (34.2 °F) on December 15 in Las Pilas breaking the all-time record in that station for the second time in just 5 days. Wind gusts of 60 km/h (38 mph) were registered on December 14.

Managua, Nicaragua

12/13/2010
High: 31 °C (88 °F), Low: 20 °C (68 °F), winds: 25 km/h (16 mph)
12/14/2010
High: 30 °C (86 °F), Low: 19 °C (66 °F), winds: 30 km/h (19 mph)
12/15/2010
High: 31 °C (88 °F), Low: 17 °C (63 °F), winds: 19 km/h (13 mph)

In Jinotega a temperature of 12°C was registered on December 15.

San Jose, Costa Rica

12/13/2010
High: 27 °C (80.6 °F), Low: 16 °C (60.8 °F), winds: 45 km/h (28 mph)
12/14/2010
High: 22 °C (71.6 °F), Low: 12.8 °C (55.0 °F) , winds: 35 km/h (22 mph)
12/15/2010
High: 24 °C (75.2 °F), Low: 14.5 °C (58.1 °F), winds: 35 km/h (22 mph)

Wind gusts of 52 km/h (33 mph) were registered on December 15 in Costa Rica and a temperature of 2.6°C (36.7°F) was registered in Irazu volcano on December 14, the newspapers stated that December 14 was the coldest day in 15 years in Costa Rica.

[Macrocane]

After a break of 10 days a new cold front affected central america from December 26 to December 28 producing moderate winds and cool temperatures that weren't as cool as the previous events and actually this one was a more typical cold surge, except for Guatemala city that experienced its coldest low temperature so far this season.

Belize city, Belize

12/26/2010
High: 25 °C (77 °F), Low: 18 °C (64 °F), winds: 20 km/h (13 mph)
12/27/2010
High: 23 °C (73 °F), Low: 15 °C (59 °F), winds: 20 km/h (13 mph)
12/28/2010
High: 24 °C (75 °F), Low: 15 °C (59 °F) , winds: 20 km/h (13 mph)

Maximum wind gusts of 40 km/h (25 mph) were registered on December 26

Guatemala city, Guatemala

12/26/2010
High: 20.1 °C (68.2 °F), Low: 12.4 °C (54.3 °F), winds: 40 km/h (25 mph)
12/27/2010
High: 20.2 °C (68.4 °F), Low: 8.4 °C (47.1 °F), winds: 35 km/h (22 mph)
12/28/2010
High: 21.0 °C (69.8 °F), Low: 7.7 °C (45.9 °F) , winds: 35 km/h (22 mph)

In Quetzaltenango a minimum temperature of -2.6°C (27.3°F) was registered on December 27 and wind gusts up to 65 km/h (41 mph) were registered on December 27 in Guatemala city.

Tegucigalpa, Honduras

12/26/2010
High: 22 °C (72 °F), Low: 15 °C (59 °F), winds: 40 km/h (25 mph)
12/27/2010
High: 22 °C (72 °F), Low: 13 °C (55 °F), winds: 40 km/h (25 mph)
12/28/2010
High: 21°C (70 °F), Low: 12 °C (54 °F) , winds: 35 km/h (22 mph)

In La Esperanza a temperature of 8°C (46°F) was registered on December 28 and wind gusts of 52 km/h (33 mph) were registered on December 28.

San Salvador, El Salvador

12/26/2010
High: 28.6 °C (83.5 °F), Low: 16.5 °C (61.7 °F), winds: 35 km/h (22 mph)
12/27/2010
High: 27.3 °C (81.1 °F), Low: 15.7 °C (60.3 °F), winds: 30 km/h (19 mph)
12/28/2010
High: 28.3 °C (82.9 °F), Low: 15.0 °C (59.0 °F) , winds: 25 km/h (16 mph)

In Ishuatan wind gusts up to 59 km/h (37 mph) were registered in December 26 and a low temperature of 5.2°C (41.4°F) was experienced in Las Pilas on December 28.

Managua, Nicaragua

12/26/2010
High: 33 °C (91 °F), Low: 23 °C (73 °F), winds: 25 km/h (16 mph)
12/27/2010
High: 31 °C (88 °F), Low: 20 °C (68 °F), winds: 30 km/h (19 mph)
12/28/2010
High: 29 °C (84 °F), Low: 19 °C (66 °F), winds: 30 km/h (19 mph)

In Jinotega a temperature of 13°C (55°F) was registered on December 28.

San Jose, Costa Rica

12/26/2010
High: 22 °C (71.6 °F), Low: 15.2 °C (59.4 °F), winds: 40 km/h (25 mph)
12/27/2010
High: 22.9 °C (73.2 °F), Low: 14.7 °C (58.5 °F) , winds: 40 km/h (25 mph)
12/28/2010
High: 25 °C (77.0 °F), Low: 16 °C (60.8 °F), winds: 35 km/h (22 mph)

Wind gusts of 65 km/h (41 mph) were registered on December 26 and 27 and a temperature of 2.3°C (36.1°F) was registered in Irazu volcano on December 26.

[Macrocane]

And finally I want to share a couple of pictures with you, I took them on December 26 in Los Volcanes National Park in El Salvador.

In the first picture you can see Izalco, Cerro Verde and Santa Ana volcanoes (from left to right) the completely clear blue skies are typical when cold surges affect El Salvador.



The second picture was taken at 5:00 pm or so, and it shows something typical of a cold surge too when clouds form only in the top of the mountains early in the mornings and late in the afternoons.

[boca]

Really nice pictures we dropped to 33°F in Boca Raton Florida this passed Monday morning.

[Macrocane]

Thanks .I like to follow the winter threads of Florida and Texas and some places (like Boca Raton) were really chilly , usually when Texas and Florida are cold Mexico and Central America are cold too. A warm up has began today and is expected to continue in the next several days and it seems that East US is going to warm up as wel,l isn't it?

[Macrocane]

January began warmer than average in most of the region. In San Salvador a maximum temperature of 33°C (91.4°F) was registered on January 2, in San Miguel (El Salvador) the maximum was 37.2°C (99°F) on January 1, in Guatemala the highs were near 28°C (82°F) in the same dates. Thankfully a high pressure system produced moderate to strong winds on Monday and Tuesday and also made the temperatures to drop near average.

Belize city, Belize

01/03/2011
High: 28 °C (82 °F), Low: 21 °C (70 °F), winds: 20 km/h (13 mph)
01/04/2011
High: 28 °C (82 °F), Low: 18 °C (64 °F) , winds: 15 km/h (9 mph)

Wind gusts of 25 km/h (16 mph) were registered on January 3.

Guatemala city, Guatemala

01/03/2011
High: 24.0 °C (75.2 °F), Low: 12.8 °C (55.0 °F), winds: 40 km/h (25 mph), gusts 60 km/h (38 mph)
01/04/2011
High: 23.6 °C (74.5 °F), Low: 10.9 °C (51.6 °F) , winds: 40 km/h (25 mph), gusts 60 km/h (38 mph)

In Quetzaltenango a minimum temperature of 1.1°C (34.0°F) was experiened on January 4.

Tegucigalpa, Honduras

01/03/2011
High: 26 °C (79 °F), Low: 16 °C (61 °F), winds: 40 km/h (25 mph), max gust: 52 km/h (33 mph)
01/04/2011
High: 24 °C (75 °F), Low: 14 °C (57 °F) , winds: 35 km/h (22 mph), max gust: 41 km/h (26 mph)

In La Esperanza a temperature of 10°C (46°F) was registered on January 4.

San Salvador, El Salvador

01/03/2011
High: 30.6 °C (87.1 °F), Low: 16.7 °C (62.1 °F), winds: 30 km/h (19 mph), max gust: 46 km/h (29 mph)
01/04/2011
High: 31.2 °C (88.2 °F), Low: 15.7 °C (60.3 °F) , winds: 25 km/h (16 mph), max gust: 53 km/h (33 mph)

Las Pilas registered a minimum temperature of 8°C (46.4°F) on January 4.

Managua, Nicaragua

01/03/2011
High: 31 °C (88 °F), Low: 23 °C (73 °F), winds: 35 km/h (22 mph), max gust: 46 km/h (29 mph)
01/04/2011
High: 30 °C (86 °F), Low: 22 °C (72 °F), winds: 40 km/h (25 mph), max gust 48 km/h (30 mph)

In the city of Esteli a temperature of 13.1°C (55.6°F) was registered on January 3.

San Jose, Costa Rica

01/03/2011
High: 22.0 °C (71.6 °F), Low: 16.4 °C (61.5 °F), winds: 35 km/h (22 mph), max gust: 49 km/h (31 mph)
01/04/2011
High: 22.2 °C (72.0 °F), Low: 14.5 °C (58.1 °F) , winds: 35 km/h (22 mph), max gust: 40 km/h (25 mph)

In Irazu volcano a low of 1.8°C (35.2°F) was experienced on January 3.

On Friday a weak cold surge is expected but the one that has caught my attention is the same one that we have been discussing in other threads "the Siberian Express". Let's see how this exciting and very interesting event develops.

[Macrocane]

A high pressure system and associated cold front entered the region on Friday January 7 producing only light to moderate winds but the minimum temperatures registered the next morning (saturday January 8) were the coldest since December 28 and actually it was responsible for the first frost of the year. This event was short lived and only affected the northern part of Central America (Belize, Guatemala, Honduras and El Salvador). I am posting the temperatures registered on January 7 and January 8 but the winds are only from January 7 as they lasted just for that day.

Belize city, Belize

01/07/2011
High: 26 °C (79 °F), Low: 19 °C (66 °F), winds: 15 km/h (9 mph), gusts: 20 km/h (12.5 mph)
01/08/2011
High: 28 °C (82 °F), Low: 17 °C (63 °F)

Guatemala city, Guatemala

01/07/2011
High: 26.8 °C (80.2 °F), Low: 11.4 °C (52.5 °F), winds: 30 km/h (19 mph), gusts 50 km/h (31 mph)
01/08/2011
High: 26.6 °C (79.9 °F), Low: 10.3 °C (50.5 °F)

In Quetzaltenango a minimum temperature of -2°C (28°F) was experiened on January 8.

Tegucigalpa, Honduras

01/07/2011
High: 28 °C (82 °F), Low: 13 °C (55 °F), winds: 35 km/h (22 mph), max gust: 41 km/h (25.6 mph)
01/08/2011
High: 28 °C (82 °F), Low: 12 °C (54 °F)

In La Esperanza a temperature of 5°C (46°F) was registered on January 8.

San Salvador, El Salvador

01/07/2011
High: 30.8 °C (87.4 °F), Low: 14.4 °C (57.9 °F), winds: 20 km/h (13 mph), max gust: 33 km/h (20.6 mph)
01/08/2011
High: 29.3 °C (84.7 °F), Low: 14.2 °C (57.6 °F)

Las Pilas registered a minimum temperature of 6.4°C (43.5 °F) on January 8.

[Macrocane]

STRONGEST WINDS OF THE 2010-2011 COLD SURGE SEASON IN CENTRAL AMERICA

Last week a strong 1045 mb high pressure and associated ridge produced the strongest winds of the season in most of Central America, the high was that strong that the temperatures dropped even in Panama. The event was not that cold though and we've seen colder air from weaker highs this season anyways it gave us a relief for the unusually warm temperatures that were registered between the last event and this one.

Belize city, Belize

01/12/2011
High: 28 °C (82 °F), Low: 25 °C (77 °F), winds: 30 km/h (19 mph), max gust: 37 km/h (23 mph)
01/13/2011
High: 24 °C (75 °F), Low: 20 °C (68 °F), winds: 25 km/h (16 mph), max gust: 30 km/h (19 mph)
01/14/2011
High: 25°C (77 °F), Low: 17 °C (63 °F), winds: 15 km/h (9 mph), max gust: 18 km/h (11 mph)
01/15/2011
High: 26 °C (79 °F), Low: 18 °C (64 °F), winds: 10 km/h (6 mph), max gust: 15 km/h (9 mph)

A minimum temperature of 13.1°C (55.4°F) was registered on January 15 in Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve.

Guatemala city, Guatemala

01/12/2011
High: 21.2 °C (70.2 °F), Low: 13.9 °C (57.0 °F), winds: 45 km/h (28 mph), max gust: 60 km/h (38 mph)
01/13/2011
High: 19.6 °C (67.3 °F), Low: 11.7 °C (53.1 °F), winds: 50 km/h (31 mph), max gust: 70 km/h (44 mph)
01/14/2011
High: 19.9°C (67.8 °F), Low: 11.2 °C (52.2 °F), winds: 50 km/h (31 mph), max gust: 80 km/h (50 mph)
01/15/2011
High: 22.3 °C (72.1 °F), Low: 10.2 °C (50.4 °F), winds: 40 km/h (25 mph), max gust: 50 km/h (31 mph)
01/16/2011
High: 27.6 °C (81.7 °F), Low: 11.1 °C (52.0 °F), winds: 30 km/h (19 mph), max gust: 45 km/h (28 mph)

The lowest temperature in Guatemala was -0.2°C (31.6°F) registered in Quetzaltenango on January 15.

Tegucigalpa, Honduras

01/12/2011
High: 26 °C (79 °F), Low: 18 °C ( 64°F), winds: 40 km/h (25 mph), max gust: 50 km/h (31 mph)
01/13/2011
High: 23 °C (73 °F), Low: 16 °C (61 °F), winds: 45 km/h (28 mph), max gust: 54 km/h (34 mph)
01/14/2011
High: 19°C (66 °F), Low: 16 °C (61 °F), winds: 45 km/h (28 mph), max gust: 56 km/h (35 mph)
01/15/2011
High: 22 °C (72 °F), Low: 16 °C (61 °F), winds: 35 km/h (22 mph), max gust: 46 km/h (29 mph)
01/16/2011
High: 27 °C (81 °F), Low: 15 °C (59 °F), winds: 20 km/h (13 mph), max gust: 35 km/h (22 mph)

In La Esperanza a low temperature of 9°C (46°F) was registered on January 16.

San Salvador, El Salvador

01/12/2011
High: 31.1 °C (88 °F), Low: 18.4 °C ( 65.1°F), winds: 35 km/h (22 mph), max gust: 63 km/h (39 mph)
01/13/2011
High: 29.8 °C (85.6 °F), Low: 18.0 °C (64.4 °F), winds: 35 km/h (22 mph), max gust: 63 km/h (39 mph)
01/14/2011
High: 27.7°C (81.9 °F), Low: 18.0 °C (64.4 °F), winds: 40 km/h (25 mph), max gust: 71 km/h (44 mph)
01/15/2011
High: 29.7 °C (85.5 °F), Low: 17.0 °C (62.6 °F), winds: 30 km/h (19 mph), max gust: 56 km/h (35 mph)
01/16/2011
High: 30.8 °C (87.4 °F), Low: 16.8 °C (62.2 °F), winds: 20 km/h (13 mph), max gust: 30 km/h (19 mph)

The coldest temperature registered during this event was again in Las Pilas with a reading of 7.1°C (44.8°F) on January 16, in this same location a maximum temperature of 12.7°C (54.9°F) occured on January 14, becoming the coldest maximum temperature registered in El Salvador so far this year.

Managua, Nicaragua

01/12/2011
High: 32 °C (80 °F), Low: 25 °C (77 °F), winds: 35 km/h (22 mph), max gust: 45 km/h (28 mph)
01/13/2011
High: 31 °C (88 °F), Low: 24 °C (75 °F), winds: 35 km/h (22 mph), max gust: 45 km/h (28 mph)
01/14/2011
High: 32°C (90 °F), Low: 22 °C (72 °F), winds: 30 km/h (19 mph), max gust: 40 km/h (25 mph)
01/15/2011
High: 33 °C (91 °F), Low: 22 °C (72 °F), winds: 30 km/h (19 mph), max gust: 40 km/h (25 mph)
01/16/2011
High: 31 °C (88 °F), Low: 21 °C (70 °F), winds: 25 km/h (16 mph), max gust: 30 km/h (25 mph)

In the town of Esteli a low of 13.8°C (56.8°F) was registered on January 15.

San Jose, Costa Rica

01/12/2011
High: 24.7 °C (76.5 °F), Low: 18.2 °C (64.8 °F), winds: 45 km/h (28 mph), max gust: 65 km/h (41 mph)
01/13/2011
High: 24.6 °C (76.3 °F), Low: 17.6 °C (63.7 °F), winds: 40 km/h (25 mph), max gust: 59 km/h (37 mph)
01/14/2011
High: 25.4 °C (77.7 °F), Low: 17.7 °C (63.9 °F), winds: 40 km/h (25 mph), max gust: 63 km/h (39 mph)
01/15/2011
High: 25.5 °C (77.9 °F), Low: 17.2 °C (63.0 °F), winds: 45 km/h (28 mph), max gust: 53 km/h (33 mph)
01/16/2011
High: 26.0 °C (78.8 °F), Low: 16.6 °C (61.9 °F), winds: 20 km/h (13 mph), max gust: 35 km/h (22 mph)

In Irazu volcano a low temperature of 1.8°C (35.2°F) and a high of only 8.2°C (46.8°F) were registered in January 13.

Panama city, Panama

01/12/2011
High: 31.8 °C (89.2 °F), Low: 25.8 °C (78.4 °F), winds: 30 km/h (19 mph), max gust: 39 km/h (24 mph)
01/13/2011
High: 31.9 °C (89.4 °F), Low: 23.1 °C (73.6 °F), winds: 25 km/h (16 mph), max gust: 34 km/h (21 mph)
01/14/2011
High: 33.4 °C (92.1 °F), Low: 21.8 °C (71.2 °F), winds: 20 km/h (13 mph), max gust: 29 km/h (18 mph)
01/15/2011
High: 31.9 °C (89.4 °F), Low: 21.7 °C (71.1 °F), winds: 20 km/h (13 mph), max gust: 29 km/h (18 mph)

In the village of Boquete a minimum temeprature of 14.1°C (57.4°F) was registered on January 15.

[Macrocane]

And here's a video that I shot near my house on January 14 and it shows how windy this event was.

Strong winds in El Salvador on January 14 2011

[Macrocane]

Usually January is the coldest month of the cold season in Central America, this time was different and December was much colder as you can see on previous posts. The last cold surge of January occured in the region during the weekend, the winds were much weaker than the last one but the temperatures were a little colder. On January 31 the northerly winds were gone but the minimum temperatures were the colder so that's why I included that day on the observations of some countries:

Belize city, Belize

01/28/2011
High: 27°C (81°F), Low: 20°C (68°F), winds: 20 km/h (13 mph), max gust: 26 km/h (16 mph)
01/29/2011
High: 26°C (79°F), Low: 18°C (64°F), winds: 20 km/h (13 mph), max gust: 24 km/h (15 mph)
01/30/2011
High: 27°C (81°F), Low: 18°C (64°F), winds: 20 km/h (13 mph), max gust: 35 km/h (22 mph)

A minimum temperature of 15.6°C (60.1°F) was registered on January 28 in Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve.

Guatemala city, Guatemala

01/28/2011
High: 22°C (72°F), Low: 15°C (59°F), winds: 35 km/h (22 mph), max gust: 40 km/h (25 mph)
01/29/2011
High: 24°C (75°F), Low: 13°C (55°F), winds: 30 km/h (19 mph), max gust: 35 km/h (22 mph)
01/30/2011
High: 28°C (82°F), Low: 12°C (54°F), winds: 25 km/h (16 mph), max gust: 30 km/h (19 mph)
01/31/2011
High: 26°C (79°F), Low: 13°C (55°F)

The lowest temperature in Guatemala was -1.4°C (29.5°F) registered in Quetzaltenango on January 31.

Tegucigalpa, Honduras

01/28/2011
High: 27°C (81°F), Low: 17°C (63°F), winds: 40 km/h (25 mph), max gust: 48 km/h (30 mph)
01/29/2011
High: 27°C (81°F), Low: 16°C (61 °F), winds: 45 km/h (18 mph), max gust: 54 km/h (34 mph)
01/30/2011
High: 27°C (81°F), Low: 16°C (61 °F), winds: 25 km/h (16 mph), max gust: 30 km/h (19 mph)
01/31/2011
High: 28°C (82°F), Low: 16°C (61 °F)

In La Esperanza a low temperature of 9°C (48°F) was registered on January 30 and 31.

San Salvador, El Salvador

01/28/2011
High: 30°C (86.0°F), Low: 19.5°C (67.1°F), winds: 25 km/h (16 mph), max gust: 40 km/h (25 mph)
01/29/2011
High: 30.1°C (86.2°F), Low: 17.8°C (64 °F), winds: 25 km/h (16 mph), max gust: 41 km/h (26 mph)
01/30/2011
High: 30.5°C (86.9°F), Low: 17.3°C (63.1 °F), winds: 20 km/h (13 mph), max gust: 30 km/h (19 mph)
01/31/2011
High: 30.9°C (87.6°F), Low: 16.2°C (61.2 °F)

In Las Pilas a minimum temperature of 8.1°C (46.6°F) was registered on January 30.

Managua, Nicaragua

01/29/2011
High: 32°C (90°F), Low: 23°C (73°F), winds: 35 km/h (22 mph), max gust: 56 km/h (35 mph)
01/30/2011
High: 33°C (91°F), Low: 22°C (72°F), winds: 25 km/h (16 mph), max gust: 37 km/h (23 mph)
01/31/2011
High: 31°C (88°F), Low: 21°C (70°F)

In the town of Esteli a low of 13.3°C (55.9°F) was registered on January 31.

San Jose, Costa Rica

01/30/2011
High: 26.0°C (78.8°F), Low: 16.0°C (60.8°F), winds: 35 km/h (22 mph), max gust: 47 km/h (29 mph)
01/31/2011
High: 27.2°C (81.0°F), Low: 14.6°C (58.3°F)

In Irazu volcano a low temperature of 3.5°C (38.3°F) was registered on January 31.

[Macrocane]

And here's a picture of the skies in San Salvador in the afternoon of January 30, with the sun behind them:

[Macrocane]

February is an intersting month in the climate of Central America as it is the 3rd coldest month in terms of minimum temperatures but it is also the 3rd warmest in terms of maximum temperatures, so it's not rare to have pretty warm afternoons but very cool nights. This weekend a short lived event produced weak to moderate northerly winds and cool temperatures in the region. The minimum temperatures that it produced in Nicaragua, Costa Rica and Panama have been the coldest so far this year in those countries.


Belize city, Belize

02/05/2011
High: 30°C (86°F), Low: 21°C (70°F), winds: 25 km/h (16 mph), max gust: 32 km/h (20 mph)
02/06/2011
High: 30°C (86°F), Low: 20°C (68°F), winds: 15 km/h (9 mph), max gust: 32 km/h (20 mph)

A minimum temperature of 16.0°C (60.1°F) was registered on February 6 in Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve.

Guatemala city, Guatemala

02/05/2011
High: 22°C (72°F), Low: 13°C (55°F), winds: 30 km/h (19 mph), max gust: 25 km/h (20 mph)
02/06/2011
High: 28°C (82°F), Low: 12°C (54°F), winds: 20 km/h (13 mph), max gust: 22 km/h (20 mph)

The lowest temperature in Guatemala was -0.5°C (31.1°F) registered in Quetzaltenango on February 7.

Tegucigalpa, Honduras

02/05/2011
High: 29°C (86°F), Low: 15°C (59°F), winds: 30 km/h (22 mph), max gust: 48 km/h (30 mph)
02/06/2011
High: 29°C (86°F), Low: 13°C (55°F), winds: 20 km/h (13 mph), max gust: 26 km/h (16 mph)

In La Esperanza a low temperature of 8°C (46°F) was registered on February 6.

San Salvador, El Salvador

02/05/2011
High: 30.6°C (87.1°F), Low: 18.1°C (64.6°F), winds: 20 km/h (13 mph), max gust: 32 km/h (20 mph)
02/06/2011
High: 31.2°C (88.2°F), Low: 17.0°C (62.6°F), winds: 15 km/h (9 mph), max gust: 29 km/h (18 mph)

In Las Pilas a minimum temperature of 7.1°C (44.8°F) was registered on February 6.

Managua, Nicaragua

02/05/2011
High: 33°C (91°F), Low: 22°C (72°F), winds: 30 km/h (19 mph), max gust: 32 km/h (20 mph)
02/06/2011
High: 34°C (93°F), Low: 20°C (68°F), winds: 25 km/h (16 mph), max gust: 43 km/h (27 mph)

The minimum temperature registered on February 6 in Managua was the coldest since December 27. In the town of Esteli a low of 13.3°C (55.9°F) was registered on February 5.

San Jose, Costa Rica

02/05/2011
High: 25.3°C (77.5°F), Low: 16.2°C (61.2°F), winds: 35 km/h (22 mph), max gust: 43 km/h (27 mph)
02/06/2011
High: 26.2°C (79.2°F), Low: 13.3°C (55.9°F), winds: 30 km/h (19 mph), max gust: 37 km/h (23 mph)

The minimum temperature registerd on February 6 was the coldest in San Jose since mid December. In Irazu volcano a low temperature of 3.3°C (37.9°F) was registered on that same date.

Panama city, Panama

02/05/2011
High: 32.2°C (90.0°F), Low: 21.1°C (70.0°F), winds: 25 km/h (16 mph), max gust: 37 km/h (23 mph)
02/06/2011
High: 32.9°C (91.2°F), Low: 19.2°C (66.6°F), winds: 20 km/h (13 mph), max gust: 32 km/h (20 mph)

The low registered on February 6 was the coldest of the year in Panama city. In the village of Boquete a low of 14.8°C (58.6°F) was registered on February 6 as well.

[Macrocane]

A cold front reached Central America last Saturday (February 12) and the high pressure behind it produced strong winds across the region and it also brought the coolest maximum temperatures in at least one month, the minimum temperatures were not that cold though.


Belize city, Belize

02/12/2011
High: 24°C (75°F), Low: 21°C (70°F), winds: 25 km/h (16 mph), max gust: 27 km/h (17 mph)
02/13/2011
High: 23°C (73°F), Low: 19°C (66°F), winds: 15 km/h (9 mph), max gust: 26 km/h (16 mph)
02/14/2011
High: 26°C (79°F), Low: 18°C (64°F), winds: 15 km/h (9 mph), max gust: 16 km/h (10 mph)

A minimum temperature of 14.9°C (58.8°F) was registered on February 14 in Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve.

Guatemala city, Guatemala

02/12/2011
High: 23°C (73°F), Low: 15°C (59°F), winds: 45 km/h (28 mph), max gust: 60 km/h (38 mph)
02/13/2011
High: 22°C (72°F), Low: 13°C (55°F), winds: 45 km/h (28 mph), max gust: 50 km/h (38 mph)
02/14/2011
High: 24°C (75°F), Low: 12°C (54°F), winds: 35 km/h (22 mph), max gust: 45 km/h (31 mph)
02/15/2011
High: 23°C (73°F), Low: 13°C (55°F), winds: 35 km/h (22 mph), max gust: 45 km/h (28 mph)

The lowest temperature in Guatemala was 0.8°C (33.4°F) registered in Quetzaltenango on February 16.

Tegucigalpa, Honduras

02/12/2011
High: 27°C (81°F), Low: 18°C (64°F), winds: 35 km/h (22 mph), max gust: 44 km/h (28 mph)
02/13/2011
High: 22°C (72°F), Low: 16°C (61°F), winds: 40 km/h (25 mph), max gust: 52 km/h (33 mph)
02/14/2011
High: 25°C (77°F), Low: 16°C (61°F), winds: 45 km/h (28 mph), max gust: 57 km/h (36 mph)
02/15/2011
High: 26°C (79°F), Low: 15°C (59°F), winds: 40 km/h (25 mph), max gust: 46 km/h (29 mph)

In La Esperanza a low temperature of 12°C (54°F) was registered on February 14.

San Salvador, El Salvador

02/12/2011
High: 30.3°C (86.5°F), Low: 19.3°C (66.7°F), winds: 35 km/h (22 mph), max gust: 53 km/h (33 mph)
02/13/2011
High: 28.9°C (84.0°F), Low: 18.4°C (65.1°F), winds: 40 km/h (25 mph), max gust: 64 km/h (40 mph)
02/14/2011
High: 30.5°C (86.9°F), Low: 17.9°C (64.2°F), winds: 30 km/h (19 mph), max gust: 61 km/h (38 mph)
02/15/2011
High: 31.2°C (88.2°F), Low: 17.4°C (63.3°F), winds: 25 km/h (16 mph), max gust: 49 km/h (31 mph)

The coldest temperature in El Salvador was 9.4°C (48.9°F) registered in Las Pilas on February 13.

Managua, Nicaragua

02/12/2011
High: 33°C (91°F), Low: 23°C (73°F), winds: 30 km/h (19 mph), max gust: 37 km/h (23 mph)
02/13/2011
High: 33°C (91°F), Low: 22°C (72°F), winds: 35 km/h (22 mph), max gust: 40 km/h (25 mph)
02/14/2011
High: 33°C (91°F), Low: 22°C (72°F), winds: 35 km/h (22 mph), max gust: 43 km/h (27 mph)

In the town of Esteli a minimum temperature of 14.8°C (58.6°F) occurred on February 15.


San Jose, Costa Rica

02/13/2011
High: 24.2°C (75.6°F), Low: 17.6°C (63.7°F), winds: 30 km/h (19 mph), max gust: 55 km/h (34 mph)
02/14/2011
High: 25.2°C (77.4°F), Low: 17.6°C (63.7°F), winds: 30 km/h (19 mph), max gust: 49 km/h (31 mph)
02/15/2011
High: 24.6°C (76.3°F), Low: 17.3°C (63.1°F), winds: 35 km/h (22 mph), max gust: 39 km/h (24 mph)

One of the coldest temperatures of the season was registered on February 13 in Irazu volcano when the minimum temperature reached 1.6°C (34.9°F).

[Ptarmigan]

Interesting to know where those cold fronts go after they pass North America and their effects on them. Sometimes, it is still cooler despite being closer to the equator.