Cuba Experiences First-Ever Recorded Freeze

Cuba has officially recorded its first freezing temperature, marking a significant milestone in the island’s meteorological history. On February 3, 2026, the Indio Hatuey weather station in Perico reported a low of 32 degrees Fahrenheit, setting a new national all-time record low. This update came from the Instituto de Meteorología de Cuba (INSMET), and it shatters the previous record of 33 degrees set nearly three decades ago in Bainoa on February 18, 1996.

Cuba’s Cold Snap and Record Breakers

The recent frigid weather didn’t just impact Perico. Multiple locations across Cuba experienced unprecedented lows during this cold snap. The following stations either tied or set new all-time record lows:

• Aguada de Passengeros: 37°F (3°C)
• Jucarito: 44°F (6.8°C)
• Santa Cruz del Sur: 44°F (6.8°C)
• Guantanamo Bay: 57°F (13.9°C, tied)

Additionally, six other weather stations across the island reported newly set February records, ranging between 43°F to 46°F.

Wider Impact of the Cold Front

Cuba was not the only nation affected by this cold front. Notably:

• Flores, Guatemala, tied its all-time record low at 48°F.
• Finca Los Andes in El Salvador set a February record low of 38°F.
• Belize recorded its coldest temperature since 1968, dropping to 42°F.

This cold weather system originated from a larger Arctic outbreak that impacted areas in the eastern United States, including Florida, Ohio, and Pennsylvania. While winter cold fronts tend to affect Cuba, they also reach the Bahamas, Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula, and Belize, leading to similar cold conditions in these regions.

Effects on Daily Life in Cuba

The effects of this cold front were evident in Cuba, particularly in Havana, where windy conditions reached gusts of 40 to 50 mph. These winds caused seawater to surge over the waterfront, resulting in significant flooding in various city streets.

This historic cold snap is a reminder that extreme weather patterns can significantly impact the Caribbean, challenging the usual climate expectations of the region.