Chilly in Mexico City: Double Alert Activated – But Cold-Pressed Juice and the Perfect Fridge Are Also Trending

Alright folks, if there’s one thing we who live in Mexico City know for sure, it’s that the weather can never make up its mind. But this weekend, the cold isn’t a suggestion – it’s an order. Since last night, a double alert being activated across six boroughs made it clear that this cold front isn’t just passing through; it’s here to stay. And trust me, after all these years, I know when a cold snap means business.

We’re talking about a Saturday morning that, if it doesn’t catch you off guard, will catch you with your blankets only half untucked. Boroughs like Álvaro Obregón, Cuajimalpa, Magdalena Contreras and Milpa Alta are set to feel the worst of it. The thermometer isn’t beating around the bush: we’re looking at temperatures hovering around 0 degrees or even lower in the higher areas. And don’t just think it’s a dry cold – with wind gusts of up to 40 km/h, it’s got that sneaky bite that chills you right to the bone. If you thought spring had already settled in, the reality is winter is leaving us with a pretty intense farewell memory.

There’s no two ways about it. If you have to head out early, you know the drill: cold and wind are the perfect recipe for a nasty cold. That’s why the first thing I did when I got up was check that everything was in order at home. And speaking of order, I can’t ignore what’s happening on social media. While the cold front is hitting hard outside, inside we’re all obsessed with the same thing: the fridge.

The cold outside vs. the cold inside: the fridge dilemma

So why am I talking about the fridge? Well, because while the cold snap has us bundled up in coats and scarves, another battle is being waged inside our kitchens. Over the past few days, searches on how to optimise the fridge have skyrocketed. And it’s no coincidence. When the temperature drops, the way we store food changes. We forget that this appliance, the heart of the home, also feels the effects of the weather.

Here’s a trick I learned from my grandmother that never fails: when it’s as cold as it is today, don’t fill the fridge to the brim. Sounds counterintuitive, right? But the motor has to work harder to maintain the internal temperature when the outside environment is already freezing. Plus, with these alerts active, the last thing you want is for your water pipes to freeze or for the fridge’s plug to fail due to overworking. It’s time to check the door seals and make sure there are no air leaks. Trust me, a good fridge that’s well adjusted can be your best ally, keeping your veg and meat good all week so you don’t have to go out and brave the low temperatures.

The contrasting trend: cold-pressed juice

And here’s where it gets interesting. In the midst of this low-temperature alert, it’s no secret that there’s a trend that keeps growing and seems like an act of rebellion against the weather: cold-pressed juice. While the wind outside is biting your face, inside everyone wants their dose of vitamins extracted at low temperature.

But hold on, this isn’t just any juice. Cold-pressed juice is the star of the season. People aren’t just going for it because it’s healthy, but because the slow extraction technique preserves the properties our bodies need precisely when the cold puts us to the test. If you’re tempted to make it at home, here’s today’s tip: take advantage of your fridge being in top shape to keep the fruit and veg nice and cold before pressing them. A mix of ginger, orange and a touch of turmeric is perfect for boosting your defences and fighting off the cold snap.

It’s no coincidence these concepts are so tightly linked right now. While on one hand we’re preparing to withstand the latest cold front, on the other we’re looking for ways to nourish ourselves without giving up on a modern lifestyle. It’s the perfect Mexico City duality: a padded jacket in one hand, and a glass of cold-pressed juice in the other.

So you’re not caught off guard this weekend, here are a couple of things already on my list:

• Quick fridge check: Make sure the temperature is between 2 and 4 degrees. If the motor is starting and stopping constantly, it might need defrosting or the thermostat adjusting.
• Thermal layers: The double cold alert is no joke. Better to wear a vest, a hoodie, and a windbreaker. Those wind gusts feel like a freezing punch.
• Quick cold-busting recipe: If you don’t want to go out shopping, use the fruit you have in the fridge. An apple, celery and ginger in your morning cold-pressed juice can make all the difference.
• Protect your pipes: In higher areas, cover your outdoor taps. A frozen pipe in the middle of a cold front is a headache no one needs.

So there you have it. While the weather forecasters keep adjusting the numbers and the amber and yellow alerts ask us to stay vigilant, the best thing to do is use this cold snap as an excuse to get the house and the body in order. Because in the end, the cold passes, but what we learn to look after stays. And if along the way we become experts at managing the fridge and making a good cold-pressed juice, then welcome to the cold spell.