Heat wave pushes temperatures up to 45 C in parts of Mexico

June 13, 2023

A woman dances in a fountain during a heatwave — In Mexico City, some are taking to public fountains in an effort to escape the punishing heat. (Graciela López/Cuartoscuro)

The third heat wave of the year currently sweeping Mexico is expected to bring scorching temperatures across the country.

Temperatures of up to 45 degrees Celsius (113 degrees Fahrenheit) are expected in 24 of Mexico’s 32 states.

Conagua heat map — Government forecasts show that temperatures are likely to be above 40 degrees across nearly all of the country. (Conagua)

Only the central states of Zacatecas, Aguascalientes, Guanajuato, Querétaro, México state and Puebla will escape the most punishing heat — although temperatures are still expected to rise to as high as 40 C. Tlaxcala and Mexico City expect temperatures to remain between 30 and 35 degrees Celsius.

Rains, hail and thunderstorms are also forecast in Campeche, Chiapas, Quintana Roo and Yucatán. Heavy rainfall could increase river and stream levels and lead to flooding and landslides in these areas.

Faced with these extreme conditions, the National Meteorological Service (SMN) has issued warnings urging residents to take all necessary precautions, stay informed on weather conditions and follow prevention measures issued by Civil Protection authorities. These measures include staying hydrated and avoiding prolonged sun exposure.

The extreme temperatures that began on June 1 have caused at least one death. A 78-year-old woman in Hermosillo, Sonora passed away while walking outdoors, according to the newspaper El País.

The extreme weather conditions are caused by El Niño, a climate pattern characterized by the warming of ocean surface temperatures. It occurs cyclically in the Pacific Ocean and has a significant impact on global weather patterns, causing altered rainfall, droughts, floods and temperature shifts.