According to The Weather Network’s monthly report, temperatures in Cuernavaca surpassed 30°C today, which is significantly higher than the usual February averages for the area. Typically, February is one of the cooler months in the city, with average highs rarely exceeding 28°C.
The current anomaly is due to a combination of meteorological factors. Despite it being winter, an extreme atmospheric event brought unusually cold temperatures to much of North America, including Cuernavaca, according to a report on the January–February 2026 North American cold wave. However, this same event has led to a disruption in normal weather patterns, resulting in heat being trapped over central Mexico. The cold wave is expected to continue affecting the region for several more days, but Cuernavaca will remain warmer than usual. According to current forecasts, these unusually high temperatures are likely to persist through at least next Tuesday, so residents should be prepared for warm, dry conditions until then. It is recommended to follow local updates and take necessary precautions.
A strong high-pressure system, known as an anticyclone, is currently dominating the weather over central Mexico. This system effectively blocks the entry of cold air masses from the north, maintaining clear skies and allowing intense solar radiation to heat the ground throughout the day. As a result, many neighborhoods in Cuernavaca are experiencing higher-than-normal temperatures, with little relief even at night. Such weather patterns are also associated with increased levels of air pollution and can exacerbate health risks for sensitive groups.
The Reason
Global temperatures are rising rapidly, with the last decade (2015–2024) being the warmest on record, largely driven by greenhouse gas emissions. Earth’s temperature has risen by about 2˚F (1.1˚C) since 1850, with the rate of warming more than doubling since 1982. 2024 was the warmest year on record, continuing a trend of intense, long-term warming.
Key Data on Rising Temperatures
• Rapid Acceleration: Since 1982, the world has warmed at a rate of 0.36˚F (0.20˚C) per decade, three times faster than the rate since 1850.
• Recent Record Years: The 10 warmest years in recorded history have all occurred in the past decade.
• Land vs. Ocean: Land areas have warmed twice as much as the ocean, with land temperatures in 2025 showing an increase of over 3.6˚F (2˚C) compared to the 1850–1900 average.
• Future Projections: Global temperatures are projected to increase by 2.75˚F (1.5˚C) by 2050, potentially reaching 3.6 to 7.2˚F (2 to 4˚C) by 2100.
Causes and Impacts
• Human Activity: The burning of fossil fuels (coal, oil, and natural gas) is the primary driver of this warming.
• Extreme Events: Rising temperatures are leading to more frequent and intense heatwaves, wildfires, and heavier rainfall.
• Ocean Heat: The ocean has absorbed 90% of the extra heat, with the top 100 meters warming by since 1969.
• Health and Infrastructure: Extreme heat is causing increased fatalities, forcing, for example, a shift in agricultural practices and damaging infrastructure like roads and electric grids.
According to Weather Atlas, the average high temperature in Cuernavaca in February is 23.3°C, while average lows typically fall to around 13°C at night. Warmer weather can occur when anticyclonic systems reduce cloud cover and trap heat near the surface, causing significant changes in daily temperature swings. These conditions, combined with weaker winter weather patterns this year, contribute to higher daytime temperatures and less cooling overnight. According to La Verdad Noticias, Cold Front 28 and a strong Arctic air mass are affecting northern regions of Mexico, bringing frost and even snow to some areas. However, central and southern areas like Morelos are not experiencing the same influx of cold air, which allows temperatures in Cuernavaca to remain much warmer than average. Additionally, the absence of significant cloud cover not only raises temperatures during the day but also leads to drier air, further intensifying the heat from midday onward.
These conditions are especially noticeable in neighborhoods with limited tree cover or green spaces, where concrete and asphalt retain more heat. Outdoor workers, such as street vendors and construction workers, are particularly vulnerable to dehydration and heat-related illnesses. According to a recent study highlighted by the Associated Press, persistent high temperatures in Cuernavaca may pose greater health risks and discomfort for young adults, especially those aged 18 to 35, rather than the elderly, as previously assumed. Forecasts indicate the anticyclonic system will continue next week, maintaining high temperatures and clear skies.
Daytime maximum temperatures in Cuernavaca during February typically average around 28°C, with hot conditions possible in some areas during the afternoon. It is still advisable to stay hydrated, use sunscreen when outside, and limit sun exposure between 11:00 and 16:00. Wearing light, loose-fitting clothing can help keep body temperature down, and using hats or umbrellas offers added protection from the sun. Residents are encouraged to check on elderly neighbors, young children, and anyone vulnerable to the heat to ensure their well-being. Whenever possible, stay in shaded or cool indoor areas during the hottest part of the day.
