Chill in CDMX: Double Alert Activated, But Cold-Pressed Juice and the Perfect Fridge Are Also Trending

What’s up, everyone? If there’s one thing we know living in Mexico City, 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, the activation of a double alert in 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, it’ll catch you with the blankets half-off. Boroughs like Álvaro Obregón, Cuajimalpa, Magdalena Contreras, and Milpa Alta are really going to feel it. The thermometer isn’t beating around the bush: we’re looking at temperatures hovering around zero or even lower in the higher areas. And it’s not just the cold; with wind gusts up to 40 km/h, it has that sneaky bite that chills you to the bone. If you thought spring had already arrived, think again—winter is giving us one heck of a farewell.

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 cold. That’s why the first thing I did when I woke up was check that everything at home was sorted. And speaking of sorted, I can’t ignore what’s happening on social media. While the cold front hits 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, while the cold snap has us bundled up in jackets and scarves, another battle is being fought in our kitchens. In the last few days, searches on how to optimise your 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.

There’s a trick I learned from my grandmother that never fails: when it’s as cold as it is today, you don’t want to pack the fridge to the brim. Sounds contradictory, 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 your fridge’s plug to fail from overworking. Now’s the time to check the door seals and make sure there are no air leaks. Trust me, a well-adjusted fridge can be your best mate for making sure your veggies and meat last all week without you having to go out and face the cold.

The Trend That Contrasts: 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 feels like an act of rebellion against the weather: cold-pressed juice. While the wind bites your face outside, everyone inside wants their dose of vitamins extracted at low temperatures.

But this isn’t just any juice. Cold-pressed juice is the star of the season. People aren’t just into it because it’s healthy; the slow extraction process preserves the nutrients our bodies need just when the cold is testing us. If you’re keen to make it at home, here’s today’s tip: take advantage of your fridge being in top shape to keep your fruits and veggies nice and cold before pressing them. A mix of ginger, orange, and a touch of turmeric is perfect for boosting your defences and dealing with the cold snap.

It’s no accident that these concepts are so closely linked right now. On one hand, we’re getting ready to withstand the latest cold front, and on the other, we’re finding ways to nourish ourselves without giving up our modern lifestyle. It’s the perfect duality of Mexico City: a puffer jacket in one hand, and a glass of cold-pressed juice in the other.

So you’re not caught out this weekend, here are a few things I already have on my list:

• Quick fridge check: Make sure the temperature is between 2 and 4 degrees. If the motor is constantly starting and stopping, it might need defrosting or a thermostat adjustment.
• Thermal layers: The double cold alert is no joke. Better to wear a thermal undershirt, a hoodie, and a windbreaker. Those wind gusts feel like an icy punch.
• Express cold-buster recipe: If you don’t want to go out to shop, 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 nobody needs.

So there you have it. While the weather folks keep adjusting the numbers and the orange and yellow alerts tell 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 take care of sticks around. And if along the way we become experts at managing the fridge and preparing a good cold-pressed juice, then bring on the cold spell.