Mexico: State of emergency due to high temperatures

Event

An ongoing heatwave has been affecting large swathes of Mexico since May 28, with temperatures up to 48°C (118°F) recorded in some areas of the country. The heat and associated health risks have led the national weather service (SMN) to declare states of emergencies in 573 municipalities across 22 states beginning on Thursday, May 31.

The states concerned are: Baja California, Baja California Sur, Sonora, Coahuila, Nuevo León, Tamaulipas, San Luis Potosí, Veracruz, Campeche, Guerrero, Tabasco, Quintana Roo, Chihuahua, Sinaloa, Chiapas, Yucatán, Nayarit, Oaxaca, Michoacán, Colima, Puebla, and Durango. A full list of affected municipalities is available here. However, high temperatures are also forecast for other parts of the country, notably the capital Mexico City and the states of Hidalgo, Zacatecas, Querétaro, and Morales. Powerful thunderstorms are also forecast for various areas.

This heat could be hazardous to health, particularly for the elderly, young children, and people suffering from chronic illnesses such as cardiac issues, hypertension, and diabetes.

Brownouts caused by excess demand on the electricity grid due to increased air conditioner use are possible.

Context

Symptoms of heatstroke include: high fever, hot, red, dry skin, headache, nausea, drowsiness, intense thirst, confusion, convulsions, and loss of consciousness.

Advice

Individuals in affected areas are advised to keep abreast of local weather forecasts, avoid all strenuous outdoor activity, remain indoors as much as possible between 10:00 and 16:00 when temperatures tend to peak, to remain well hydrated (with sugar-free, non-alcoholic beverages), and to wear loose, light-colored clothing. Do not hesitate to seek medical attention if displaying symptoms of heatstroke.