For Cubans, misfortunes seem to come in waves. Alongside the endless power outages that set a new historical record this past Wednesday and the relentless inflation that continues to pinch pockets, the island is now grappling with extreme temperatures that are making their mark on the country's climate history.
This past Wednesday, the Ignacio Agramonte International Airport, situated in Albaiza, Camagüey, reported a scorching temperature of 38.1 degrees Celsius. This figure not only marks a new high for that location but was also confirmed by specialist Yosmelvi Páez Cornell.
On the same day, the National Climate Center (CENCLIM) authenticated another record of 37.2 °C at the weather station in the municipality of Camagüey, underscoring that the intense heat was widespread across the region.
Camagüey's Dual Weather Records
The two records were noted at distinct observatories: while the 38.1 °C was recorded at the airport's station, the municipal station reported 37.2 °C, setting a new benchmark for July temperatures at that site.
Previously, the highest recorded temperature at the municipal station was 36.0 °C, dating back to July 8, 1963. This recent measurement surpassed it by 1.2 degrees, a record that stood for 63 years.
Verification and Impact of Heatwave
The Provincial Meteorological Center clarified that such records aren't automatically recognized. Each one must be validated by CENCLIM, which involves checking the observation procedures, the state of the instruments, and the expertise of the meteorological observer.
As temperatures climb, millions of Cubans endure the hottest parts of the day without fans, refrigerators, or the means to keep water cold, as power outages stretch for nearly the entire day.
Wednesday was particularly grueling due to the combination of extreme heat and blackouts. The Electric Union predicted a shortfall of 2,380 MW during peak hours, leaving about 74% of the country without electricity simultaneously.
Recent History of Extreme Temperatures
Camagüey's latest record is part of a series of extreme weather events in Cuba in recent years.
In June, the La Palma station reached 37.6 °C, breaking three simultaneous records in Pinar del Río, including a provincial record that had stood for 68 years.
In May 2025, the Veguitas station in Granma reported 37.1 °C, making it one of the highest temperatures recorded in the country that day.
The most alarming precedent was set in April 2024 when Jucarito, also in Granma, recorded 40.1 °C, establishing the absolute maximum temperature record for Cuba.
Just a month later, Bolivia in Ciego de Ávila hit precisely 40 °C, marking the second time Cuban thermometers reached that threshold since meteorological records began.
FAQs about Camagüey's Record Temperatures
What was the highest temperature recorded at Ignacio Agramonte International Airport?
The highest temperature recorded at Ignacio Agramonte International Airport was 38.1 degrees Celsius.
How does CENCLIM verify temperature records?
CENCLIM verifies temperature records by reviewing observation procedures, checking instrument conditions, and assessing the observer's expertise.
How have power outages affected Cubans during the heatwave?
Power outages have left millions of Cubans without fans, refrigerators, and the ability to keep water cold during the hottest parts of the day.