The weather station in Jucarito, located in Río Cauto municipality, Granma, recorded a scorching 39.0 °C this Thursday, setting a new high for August at this observation point.
As reported by CMKX Radio Bayamo, this temperature was measured in the afternoon, with the information being provided by meteorological scientist Edgar Quintana Valdés.
"On the afternoon of August 20, 2026, a maximum temperature of 39.0 °C was reached at the Jucarito weather station (78361)," stated Quintana.
Previously, the highest recorded temperature for August at this station was 38.8 °C, a record that had stood since August 7, 2023. The recent measurement surpassed this by 0.2 °C.
Jucarito has already made its mark on Cuba's extreme heat records. Back in April 2024, this same location reached a blistering 40.1 °C, setting the national record for the highest temperature ever recorded in the country.
This new milestone adds to the series of records set this summer. At the end of July, two weather stations in Camagüey established new peaks: the Ignacio Agramonte International Airport station hit 38.1 °C, while Camagüey municipality's station recorded 37.2 °C.
A month earlier, La Palma station in Pinar del Río reached 37.6 °C, breaking three temperature records, including the provincial maximum for June, which had stood for 68 years.
These soaring temperatures are especially challenging to endure amid widespread power outages.
In Havana, for instance, residents have resorted to rooftops, parks, and the Malecón to catch some sleep and escape the heat on nights without electricity.
The combination of high temperatures and frequent power cuts leaves many families without fans or air conditioning during the hottest hours of the summer.
Understanding Cuba's Extreme Weather Conditions
What was the previous August temperature record in Jucarito?
The previous record for August was 38.8 °C, set on August 7, 2023.
How do power outages affect Cuban families during high temperatures?
Power outages leave many families without fans or air conditioning, making it difficult to cope with the intense heat.
Where do Havana residents often go during power cuts to escape the heat?
Habaneros often go to rooftops, parks, and the Malecón to find relief from the heat during power outages.