The Casablanca meteorological station in Havana witnessed an unprecedented temperature of 38.0 degrees Celsius this Tuesday, setting a new high for May in this location. This data, shared on Facebook by the Forecast Center of the Institute of Meteorology (INSMET), indicates that the previous peak of 37.3 degrees Celsius, observed on May 19, 2024, has been surpassed just a year later.
Remarkably, this isn't Cuba's highest ever recorded temperature. In 2024, the nation reached 40 degrees Celsius for the second time in its history and within a single month. This extreme was noted in the municipality of Bolivia, located in the province of Ciego de Ávila, as per INSMET sources.
The recent record at Casablanca amplifies the widespread perception among Cubans that heat is becoming increasingly intense and occurring earlier in the year. This intensification raises additional concerns regarding its impact on public health, energy consumption, and daily life in urban areas lacking the infrastructure to manage extreme temperatures effectively.
Impact of Rising Temperatures in Cuba
This surge in heat is part of a persistent trend of extreme temperatures on the island, connected to strong solar radiation and climate change. These developments occur against a backdrop of frequent power outages, worsening the heat's effects and making it challenging for residents to cope without adequate cooling systems like fans or air conditioning.
Meteorological experts had recently warned of escalating heat conditions, predicting stifling days with limited rainfall across much of the country. Meteorologist Raydel Ruisánchez noted on Saturday that Cuba is experiencing days marked by "intense heat and scarce rain" due to a well-structured anticyclone spanning all levels of the troposphere.
Current Weather Conditions Across Cuba
On Sunday, Veguitas in the province of Granma reported a sweltering 37.1 degrees Celsius, according to INSMET data. The onset of May has seen high temperatures across the nation, with many areas recording highs between 32 and 35 degrees Celsius.
These rising temperatures have been accompanied by elevated humidity levels, detected up to six kilometers in the atmosphere, influenced by an upper-level trough over the Gulf of Mexico and the Yucatán Peninsula.
Health and Safety Recommendations Amid Heat Waves
Due to these increasingly noticeable heat waves in Cuba, not only because of record temperatures but also their direct health impacts, specialists advise taking precautions. This is particularly important for vulnerable groups such as children, the elderly, and those with chronic illnesses.
Recent scientific research led by Dr. Luis Lecha Estela, a distinguished researcher from the Ministry of Science, Technology, and Environment (Citma), has highlighted a rise in daily mortality rates associated with these heat events—a trend previously unseen in the country, as reported by the state newspaper Granma.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cuba's Rising Temperatures
What is the new temperature record for May in Havana?
The new temperature record for May in Havana is 38.0 degrees Celsius, as recorded by the Casablanca meteorological station.
How does climate change contribute to Cuba's extreme temperatures?
Climate change contributes to Cuba's extreme temperatures by intensifying solar radiation and altering weather patterns, leading to more frequent heatwaves and higher overall temperatures.
What precautions are recommended during these heat waves?
It is recommended to stay hydrated, avoid outdoor exposure during peak heat, and ensure vulnerable populations such as the elderly and those with chronic illnesses are protected.