Traffic Congestion: Long Lines and Patience Required
As thousands of vacationers prepare to return to Mexico City and the State of Mexico by Sunday, April 27, their journey back will be a test of patience and caution. With schools resuming classes on Monday, April 28, high vehicle traffic is expected on major access routes to the capital. The National Guard has already reported congestion at several toll booths:
- Mexico-Puebla (San Marcos Toll Booth): 30 vehicles entering and 29 leaving per minute.
- Mexico-La Marquesa (La Venta Toll Booth): 25 vehicles entering and 30 leaving per minute.
- Mexico-Ecatepec (Ojo de Agua Toll Booth): 29 vehicles entering and 27 leaving per minute.
- Mexico-Querétaro (Tepotzotlán Toll Booth): 30 vehicles entering and 28 leaving per minute.
- Peñón-Texcoco (Peñón-Texcoco Toll Booth): 28 vehicles entering and 25 leaving per minute.
- Mexico-Cuernavaca (Tlalpan Toll Booth): 20 vehicles entering and only 9 leaving per minute.
Authorities advise extreme caution, as constant flow could lead to prolonged traffic jams on major access routes to the Valley of Mexico Metropolitan Area.
Heatwave: Sweltering Temperatures During Return
The weather will not be favorable for drivers either. An anticyclonic circulation at mid-atmospheric levels and low water vapor content maintain an intense heatwave across much of the country.
For Sunday, temperatures are forecasted to be:
- 30 to 35 °C in Mexico City.
- 35 to 40 °C in the southwestern part of the State of Mexico.
- Up to 45 °C in states like Morelos, Guerrero, Michoacán, and parts of Nuevo León and Coahuila.
The National Weather Service warns that these conditions will persist for at least the next four days, primarily affecting northeast, western, central, and southern regions of the country.
Air Quality: Pressure on Air Quality
The air quality in Mexico City also presents a challenge. On Friday, April 25, the sixth environmental contingency of the year and the second in a week was declared after reaching 159 parts per billion (ppb) of ozone in the Ajusco Medio station, Tlalpan.
Currently, air quality is acceptable with moderate risk in alcaldías like Azcapotzalco, Gustavo A. Madero, Venustiano Carranza, Iztapalapa, and Coyoacán, as well as in municipalities like Nezahualcóyotl and Coacalco. The rest of the Metropolitan Area reports good air quality.
Factors such as intense solar radiation, high temperatures, and lack of wind have favored ozone accumulation. If this trend continues, Mexico City may face more contingencies in the coming days. Keep in mind that the ozone season extends until June.
Key Questions and Answers
- What should I do to prepare for the return journey? Maintain hydration and wear light clothing due to heat. Check vehicle conditions before starting the trip. Monitor real-time traffic and air quality.
- How will the heat affect my journey? Intense solar radiation and high temperatures may cause prolonged traffic jams.
- What is the current air quality situation in Mexico City? Air quality is currently acceptable with moderate risk in some areas, while the rest of the Metropolitan Area reports good air quality.
- What should I do if there’s an active environmental contingency? Avoid prolonged outdoor activities.
Returning from vacation will undoubtedly be a test of patience and caution for thousands of families preparing to resume their routines in Mexico City, marked by traffic, heat, and air quality challenges.
