Fourth Heat Wave Expected in Mexico Despite High Temperatures

Fourth Heat Wave Expected to Hit Mexico as High Temperatures Continue

Mexico is bracing itself for a fourth heat wave in the coming weeks, despite hopes that high temperatures would decrease. The third heat wave, which lasted an unusually long 22 days, was considered atypical by meteorological authorities. Typically, heat waves in the country last between 4 to 10 days. However, the prolonged heat is expected to be shorter in the fourth wave, with the arrival of rains helping to reduce the warm environment in areas such as Mexico City and the State of Mexico.

Graciela Binimelis de Raga, from the Micro and Mesoscale Interaction Group of the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM), stated that the fourth heat wave is set to begin on Saturday, July 1. She also attributed the longer duration of heat waves to phenomena such as El Niño.

One of the factors contributing to the spread of the third heat wave in Mexico was the lack of rain. As the country prepares for the fourth wave, high temperatures continue to affect at least 30 states. The Meteorological Service of the National Water Commission (Conagua) forecasts temperatures ranging from 30 to 45 degrees Celsius in different regions.

The highest temperatures, above 45 degrees Celsius, are expected in Baja California Sur, Sonora, Coahuila, and Nuevo León. Other regions, including Baja California, Chihuahua, Durango, Tamaulipas, Veracruz, San Luis Potosí, Sinaloa, Nayarit, Jalisco, Michoacán, and Guerrero, will experience temperatures between 40 and 45 degrees Celsius. Meanwhile, Zacatecas, Hidalgo, Querétaro, Guanajuato, Colima, Morelos, Puebla, Campeche, Yucatán, Quintana Roo, and the southwest region of the State of Mexico will see temperatures ranging from 35 to 40 degrees Celsius. The State of Mexico (southwest), Aguascalientes, Oaxaca, Chiapas, and Tabasco will experience temperatures between 30 and 35 degrees Celsius.

The north of the country is expected to be the most affected by the heat, while heavy rains are forecasted mainly in the south. Chiapas, Oaxaca, and Guerrero will experience very heavy rains with intense punctuals of 75 to 150 millimeters. Puebla, Veracruz, and Tabasco will see heavy rains with very strong punctuals of 50 to 75 millimeters. Michoacán, the State of Mexico, Mexico City, Morelos, Tlaxcala, Campeche, Yucatán, and Quintana Roo will have intervals of showers with heavy punctual rains ranging from 25 to 50 millimeters. Sonora, Chihuahua, Durango, Sinaloa, Jalisco, Colima, San Luis Potosí, Querétaro, and Hidalgo will experience intervals of showers ranging from 5 to 25 millimeters. Finally, Nayarit, Tamaulipas, and Guanajuato will have isolated rains ranging from 0.1 to 5 millimeters.

As Mexico prepares for the fourth heat wave, authorities are urging residents to take necessary precautions to stay safe and cool during the high temperatures.

What are the implications of the heat wave on agriculture and energy consumption in Mexico, and what steps are being taken to support affected communities and ensure a stable electricity supply

Temperatures are expected to persist, leading to concerns about the impact on public health, agriculture, and energy consumption.

According to the National Meteorological Service (SMN), temperatures in various regions of Mexico have exceeded 40 degrees Celsius (104 degrees Fahrenheit) during the current heat wave. The heat has been particularly intense in the central and northern parts of the country, including Mexico City and the State of Mexico.

The prolonged heat has led to an increased risk of heat-related illnesses, particularly among vulnerable populations such as the elderly and those with pre-existing health conditions. The Ministry of Health has advised people to stay hydrated, avoid outdoor activities during the hottest hours of the day, and seek cool shelter when necessary.

In addition to the health risks, the heat wave has also had a significant impact on agriculture. The lack of rain and soaring temperatures have caused crop failures and livestock deaths in several states, affecting the livelihoods of many farmers. The Ministry of Agriculture is working to provide support and assistance to affected communities.

Furthermore, the energy demand in Mexico has surged as people try to cope with the extreme temperatures. The National Energy Control Center (CENACE) has reported an increase in electricity consumption due to the widespread use of air conditioning and fans. This has put a strain on the country’s power grid, leading to concerns about potential blackouts and disruptions to the electricity supply.

The arrival of rains with the fourth heat wave is expected to provide some relief from the scorching temperatures. However, meteorological experts warn that the rains might also bring the risk of flash floods and landslides, particularly in regions that have been affected by deforestation and urbanization.

As Mexico braces for the fourth heat wave, it is clear that the impact of high temperatures extends beyond discomfort and inconvenience. It is a matter of public health, food security, and energy sustainability. The government and relevant authorities must continue to monitor the situation closely and take necessary measures to mitigate the effects of these prolonged heat waves.