Overview of the Heatwave
A prolonged heatwave is expected to affect a significant portion of the country from Saturday, May 17th, to Sunday, May 18th. According to the National Weather Service (SMN), temperatures could exceed 45°C in numerous states, accompanied by isolated rainfall, strong winds, and potential dust storms.
Extreme Temperatures Across the Nation
Here are the projected maximum temperatures for Saturday and Sunday:
- 40°C to 45°C: Sinaloa, Nayarit, Jalisco, Michoacán, Guerrero, Oaxaca (central and western regions), Durango, Coahuila, Nuevo León, Tamaulipas, San Luis Potosí, Morelos, Veracruz (south), Tabasco, Campeche, and Yucatán.
- 35°C to 40°C: Sonora, Chihuahua, Aguascalientes, Colima, Guanajuato, Querétaro, Hidalgo, State of Mexico (southwest), Puebla, Chiapas, and Quintana Roo.
- 30°C to 35°C: Mexico City, Tlaxcala, and areas of Baja California.
The heatwave is expected to persist over the coming days, posing potential health risks from heatstroke. It’s advised to avoid prolonged sun exposure, stay hydrated, and never leave people or pets inside closed vehicles.
Isolated Rainfall in Central, Southern, and Northeastern Regions
Despite the heat, scattered rainfall is forecast in various regions. For Saturday:
- Heavy Rainfall (25-50 mm): Chiapas and Coahuila.
- Scattered Showers (5-25 mm): Nuevo León, San Luis Potosí, Guanajuato, Michoacán, Guerrero, Oaxaca, State of Mexico, Mexico City, Puebla, and Morelos.
- Isolated Showers (0.1-5 mm): Baja California, Veracruz, Jalisco, Querétaro, Hidalgo, and Tlaxcala.
On Sunday, 18th, heavy rainfall is expected in Querétaro, Hidalgo, State of Mexico, and Chiapas, along with scattered showers in 11 additional entities including Mexico City. Rainfall may be accompanied by thunderstorms, hail, and potential dust storms in northeastern states like Coahuila and Nuevo León.
Strong Winds and Elevated Waves
Alongside the heat, strong to very strong winds with potential dust storms are forecast, primarily in the north, northeast, and central regions. Wind gusts could reach up to 80 km/h in Baja California, Sonora, and Chihuahua.
Additionally, wave heights of up to 2.5 meters are expected along the Mexican Pacific coast from Baja California to Chiapas, as well as on the Gulf of Mexico, particularly in Tamaulipas and Veracruz.
Recommendations
The SMN warns that the heatwave’s effects could exacerbate the risk of wildfires, falling trees, or spectacular billboard accidents due to strong winds, as well as heatstroke. The public is urged to stay informed and follow recommendations from civil protection authorities.
Key Questions and Answers
- What is the heatwave’s duration? The heatwave will last from Saturday, May 17th, to Sunday, May 18th.
- Which states will experience the highest temperatures? Sinaloa, Nayarit, Jalisco, Michoacán, Guerrero, Oaxaca (central and western regions), Durango, Coahuila, Nuevo León, Tamaulipas, San Luis Potosí, Morelos, Veracruz (south), Tabasco, Campeche, and Yucatán.
- Where will isolated rainfall occur? Chiapas, Coahuila, Nuevo León, San Luis Potosí, Guanajuato, Michoacán, Guerrero, Oaxaca, State of Mexico (southwest), Puebla, Chiapas, Quintana Roo, Baja California, Veracruz (except south), Hidalgo, and Tlaxcala.
- What additional weather phenomena are expected? Strong winds, potential dust storms, and elevated wave heights along the Pacific and Gulf coasts.
- What precautions should be taken? Avoid prolonged sun exposure, stay hydrated, and never leave people or pets inside closed vehicles. Stay informed about local weather updates and follow civil protection recommendations.
