Cold weather may impact agriculture in several Guatemalan regions this week

Low temperatures, strong winds, and a lack of rainfall are expected to affect crops and livestock in several regions this week, according to the agrometeorological analysis for November 24-28. The forecast is based on data from the National Institute of Seismology, Volcanology, Meteorology and Hydrology (INSIVUMEH).

The Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Food (MAGA) has issued recommendations to help prevent economic losses. Monitoring by the Strategic Agricultural Information Center shows that areas above 1,700 meters continue to experience low temperatures due to a cold front.

Maps analyzed indicate a water deficit, expansion of rainless zones, and generally cold conditions for the week. The monitoring identifies 13 departments and 139 municipalities where temperatures are expected to fall below five degrees Celsius.

Departments likely to be affected by cold weather include Chimaltenango, Huehuetenango, Quetzaltenango, Quiché, San Marcos, Sololá, and Totonicapán. These areas have crops such as vegetables, pineapple, pasture grasses, and coffee. Additionally, wind speeds over 40 km/h are reported in Escuintla, Santa Rosa, Jutiapa and Guatemala—regions also producing coffee and pineapple.

The Vice Ministry of Economic and Rural Development (VIDER) recommends that farmers use irrigation at strategic times—especially early morning or at night—to avoid frost or freezing; secure greenhouses and light structures against strong gusts; and apply organic coverings like straw or leaves to maintain soil temperature and prevent erosion.

The Vice Ministry of Agricultural Health and Regulations suggests keeping animal shelters clean and dry with fresh bedding material to prevent respiratory diseases; rotating pastures and supplementing with hay when forage is reduced by low temperatures; as well as providing warm protected spaces for newborn animals at night.

"The MAGA reiterates the importance of agricultural producers following these guidelines to prevent losses and protect productivity in the current climate," stated the ministry.