Understanding Heatwaves
A heatwave is a prolonged period of abnormally high temperatures, typically lasting three days or more. In Mexico, this phenomenon occurs when maximum temperatures surpass the 95th percentile of historical regional averages. Heatwaves are often associated with high-pressure systems in mid-levels of the atmosphere, leading to clear skies, lack of rainfall, and minimal wind—conditions that facilitate sustained temperature increases.
Impacts of Heatwaves
According to the Mexican National Weather Service (SMN), heatwaves can lead to physical exhaustion, dehydration, and heatstroke. They also increase the risk of:
- Forest fires
- Reduced agricultural productivity
- Decreased water quality
- Power outages
- Elevated mortality rates, particularly among the elderly, children, and individuals with chronic illnesses
Heatwave Forecast for the Weekend
Saturday, April 26
- Temperatures between 40°C and 45°C: Sonora, Chihuahua, Durango, Sinaloa (south), Zacatecas, Jalisco, Michoacán, Guerrero, and Morelos.
- Temperatures between 35°C and 40°C: Colima, Coahuila, Nuevo León, Tamaulipas, San Luis Potosí, Nayarit, Aguascalientes, Guanajuato, Querétaro, Hidalgo, State of Mexico (southwest), Puebla, Veracruz, Oaxaca, Chiapas, Tabasco, and Yucatán.
- Temperatures between 30°C and 35°C: Mexico City, Baja California Sur, and Quintana Roo.
Additional details:
- Heavy rainfall in Chiapas.
- Strong winds with potential tornadoes in Chihuahua, Coahuila, and Zacatecas.
Sunday, April 27
- Temperatures between 40°C and 45°C persist in northern, northeastern, and western states.
- Showers in Chiapas, Oaxaca, Guerrero, and the Bajío region.
- Potential tornado formation in Chihuahua and Coahuila.
- High waves along the southern Pacific and Gulf of Mexico coasts.
Monday, April 28 and Tuesday, April 29
- Heatwave continues in Jalisco, Colima, Michoacán, Guerrero, Oaxaca, Chiapas, Nuevo León, Morelos, Mexico City, and the southwestern State of Mexico.
- Isolated showers in the southeastern, Bajío, and central regions.
- Winds with gusts up to 80 km/h in the north.
- Waves of 2 to 4 meters along the Pacific coast.
What to Do During Extreme Heat
- Stay hydrated consistently.
- Avoid sun exposure between 11:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.
- Wear light-colored, loose-fitting clothing.
- Never leave people or pets unattended in a vehicle.
- Protect vulnerable individuals, such as children, the elderly, and those with chronic illnesses.
