PUERTO VALLARTA (PVDN) – June, typically the start of Mexico’s rainy season, has instead made history as the country’s hottest month since records began, with temperatures soaring past 50 degrees Celsius due to an unforgiving heatwave. This has led to severe droughts in various regions across the country and has had severe implications on public health.
The National Meteorological Service (SMN) confirmed that the month’s soaring temperatures, which peaked at 50.2 degrees, surpassed any ever recorded in the country’s history, marking a grim milestone for the nation.
This sweltering heat is the result of the third heatwave that has hit Mexico, causing a spate of heat strokes among the population and, tragically, several fatalities.
In an online weekly report, the SMN stated that June’s heatwave had broken all previous records for high temperatures, the likes of which have not been seen since 1941.
Miguel Ángel Gallegos, Manager of Meteorology and Climatology at SMN, emphasized the severity of the situation. “June has been the hottest month on record, with temperatures exceeding 50 degrees,” said Gallegos. “It is the driest month recorded since 1941. As you can see, this June was not just a very warm month, it was the warmest June in recorded history.”
On July 1, yet another record-breaking temperature of 50.2 degrees was recorded in the Mexicali area. Gallegos added, “The highest value that has been registered was on July 1, with 50.2 degrees in Mexicali, in the northern part of the Baja California peninsula. In that sense, the historical record that had been 50.0 degrees Celsius was broken.”
However, there appears to be no respite in sight. Alejandra Méndez, Coordinator of the National Meteorological Service, warned that July is likely to continue this trend of high temperatures, which may persist until September.
“For the July to September quarter, we are expecting temperatures to be warmer than the average since 1991 in the northern and central and southeastern mesa of the country. However, less warm temperatures are expected in the Baja California peninsula, to the northwest and west of Mexico,” she stated.
This unprecedented and unrelenting heatwave paints a concerning picture for Mexico’s climate future and underlines the urgent need for comprehensive climate action. Experts are closely monitoring the situation and are recommending that the public take precautionary measures to protect themselves from the intense heat.
