Over the next 10 to 20 days, Mexico will endure the highest temperatures ever recorded, accompanied by significant pollution risks due to elevated ozone levels, experts warn. This extraordinary weather phenomenon is set to impact various regions, with temperatures in Mexico City (CDMX) expected to reach up to 35 degrees Celsius and San Luis Potosí potentially exceeding 45 degrees Celsius.
Researchers from the Institute of Atmospheric Sciences and Climate Change (ICAyCC) and the Climate Change Research Program of the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM) have highlighted the severity of the situation. Jorge Zavala Hidalgo, Director of ICAyCC, described the forthcoming heatwave as unprecedented. “Communities will face temperatures they have never experienced before,” Hidalgo stated during a press conference.
Record-Breaking Heat and Ozone Levels
The month of April already set records as the warmest in history for Mexico and 47 other countries. This alarming trend is expected to continue, with rising temperatures exacerbating ozone pollution. “When the temperature increases, so does the concentration of ozone by approximately 7 or 8 parts per million. While there is no direct cause-effect relationship, the high temperatures favor chemical reactions that increase ozone levels,” explained Zavala.
Francisco Estrada Porrúa, coordinator of the Climate Change Research Program (PINCC), emphasized the historical significance of the current conditions. “Last April was the warmest in history for Mexico and 47 other countries, an unprecedented event,” Estrada noted.
Impact of El Niño and Climate Change
Víctor Manuel Torres Puente, a tropical meteorology researcher at ICAyCC, underscored the role of the El Niño phenomenon in the current heatwave. “During 2023, we anticipated very high spring temperatures due to El Niño,” Puente said. Although this El Niño is not the most intense on record, it ranks among the top five and its effects are magnified by ongoing climate change.
Given the extreme heat, Torres Puente advised the public to adopt several safety measures:
- Avoid direct exposure to the sun.
- Wear light-colored clothing.
- Take frequent breaks during outdoor activities, particularly for those working on the streets.
- Stay hydrated by drinking cold water regularly.
- Use sunblock.
- Schedule activities for early morning or late afternoon.
- Exercise caution when exercising outdoors.
Anticipating the Hottest Days in History
As Mexico braces for what could be the hottest days in its history, the combination of extreme heat and increased ozone levels presents a dual challenge for public health and safety. The unprecedented conditions call for heightened awareness and proactive measures to mitigate the adverse effects of the heatwave.
April Sets Global Records
The heatwave follows an already record-breaking April, which was the warmest month globally for 48 countries, including Mexico. This trend underscores the urgent need for adaptive strategies to cope with the escalating impacts of climate change.
As the nation prepares for this challenging period, the insights from UNAM and ICAyCC researchers provide critical guidance for navigating the extreme weather ahead.
