This past Friday, a severe storm struck Havana's José Martí International Airport, resulting in a staggering 71.8 mm of rain within just one hour. The deluge was accompanied by strong gusts of wind and frequent lightning, as captured in photos shared by Hola Habana on Facebook.
The data regarding this extreme weather event was provided by meteorologist Claudia Espinosa from Cuba's Institute of Meteorology (INSMET).
Images depict a commercial aircraft parked on the tarmac under harsh conditions, with pooled water on the runway, significantly reduced visibility, and ground equipment exposed to the wind.
Unprecedented Rainfall in Havana
Recording 71.8 mm in just sixty minutes is an exceptional amount that far exceeds the thresholds for intense rainfall, typically defined as more than 50 mm per hour in tropical meteorology. This event ranks among the most severe weather occurrences documented on the island in 2026.
Historically, September is one of the rainiest months in Cuba, with frequent afternoon convective storms driven by daytime heating, low-level moisture, and southeasterly flows.
Weather Warnings and Historical Context
The Boyeros area, where the airport is located, is historically vulnerable to such occurrences during the rainy season. Earlier in September, INSMET had issued warnings about heavy rains and thunderstorms across much of the country, with potential for locally intense episodes.
This recent event adds to a series of severe storms that have battered various Cuban provinces this year. In May, a severe local storm caused flooding in Las Tunas with 62 mm of rain in just over an hour, along with wind gusts reaching 80 km/h, while Bayamo experienced 81.5 mm in an hour, with winds exceeding 100 km/h and hail.
Previous Weather Impacts on Airport Operations
José Martí Airport has a history of disruptions due to weather events. In May 2025, a weak tornado in Santiago de Las Vegas resulted in gusts up to 138 km/h near the airport. In November 2024, Hurricane Rafael's passage led to the suspension of air transportation in western Cuba. Additionally, in July of the same year, a flight from Madrid was rerouted to Miami due to intense rainfall over the airport area.
As of now, there has been no official confirmation regarding the closure of the airport or the diversion of flights as a result of Friday's storm.
FAQs on Severe Weather Events in Cuba
How much rain is considered intense in tropical regions?
In tropical meteorology, intense rainfall is typically defined as more than 50 mm per hour.
What are common causes of convective storms in Cuba?
Convective storms in Cuba are often driven by daytime heating, low-level moisture, and southeasterly air flows.
Has the José Martí Airport experienced severe weather impacts before?
Yes, the airport has a history of weather-related disruptions, including tornadoes and hurricanes affecting air transportation.