This Saturday, the Cuban Meteorology Institute issued a warning about significant and potentially severe rainfall targeting the eastern region of the island, with a particular focus on the mountainous areas where precipitation might intensify in the coming hours.
Satelite images and Cuban weather radar data reveal a dense cloud cover over eastern Cuba, with the heaviest downpours concentrated in the southwest. Raydel Ruisánchez, a meteorologist from the Provincial Meteorological Center of Habana-Artemisa-Mayabeque, highlighted that "this region will experience numerous showers in the next few hours," adding that "some areas, especially the mountainous ones, could see strong to intense rainfall."
The current weather conditions result from the interaction between two troughs: one extending throughout the troposphere over the western region and the other at the surface in the east, stretching from ground level up to three kilometers high. These systems, when combined with high humidity levels and local factors, create the instability affecting the area.
The weather forecast for Saturday predicts cloudy skies across much of the country, with more frequent showers, rains, and thunderstorms in the east. By nightfall, the precipitation will mainly impact areas from Matanzas to Holguín. Daytime temperatures are expected to range between 28 and 31 degrees Celsius, dropping in regions where clouds and rains persist since morning.
Winds will blow from the northeast in the central and western parts of the country at speeds between 10 and 25 kilometers per hour, while in the east, they will remain variable and light. Rainfall accumulation maps recorded up to 93 millimeters in some affected areas over a 24-hour period.
The Guantánamo Meteorological Center warned that certain regions might see accumulations exceeding 100 millimeters, posing risks of river overflows in mountainous areas and potential landslides, as reported by Radio Guantánamo.
This weather event follows meteorologist José Rubiera's warning issued on Friday about a rain-prone area over the Caribbean, which could impact eastern Cuba and persist until Sunday the 25th or early Monday the 26th. Forecast models predict the most significant rainfall over the Dominican Republic and Haiti but also indicate effects on the eastern tip of Cuba, Jamaica, and the Bahamas.
Meanwhile, the Meteorology Institute clarified on Saturday that the National Civil Defense Headquarters had not declared any Informative Phase for the Cuban territory, dismissing as false the rumors circulating on social media. Ruisánchez stated clearly: "There is currently no notice or alert regarding this meteorological situation."
Eastern Cuba has been facing weeks of unstable weather. Earlier in October, firefighters rescued eleven individuals, including two children, trapped by the swollen Cayo Guan River in Moa, Holguín. The region's mountainous landscape — the Sierra Maestra and the Sagua-Baracoa massif — exacerbates the risks of runoff and landslides whenever such heavy rains occur.
Key Information on Eastern Cuba's Weather Conditions
What areas in Cuba are most affected by the heavy rainfall?
The eastern region of Cuba, particularly its mountainous areas, is experiencing the most significant impact from the heavy rainfall.
What conditions are contributing to the current weather instability?
The instability is due to the interaction of two troughs combined with high humidity and local factors, leading to the current weather conditions.
Has the Cuban government issued any alerts regarding the weather situation?
No official alerts or notices have been issued by the Cuban government concerning the current weather situation, as confirmed by the Meteorology Institute.