249 people have passed away due to extreme heat during the last four months, according to data from Mexico’s Ministry of Health.
There were 100 confirmed fatalities in Nuevo León, 28, in Tamaulipas, 26, in Veracruz, and 26, in Sonora between March 19 and July 22. The remaining deaths were reported in 12 additional states.
The government also kept track of 3,169 “cases associated with extreme natural temperatures.”
Heat has been affecting the nation and the southern US states due to a “heat dome,” a weather phenomena brought on by a ridge of high pressure trapping air inside as temperatures climb.
Late last month, temperatures topped 45 degrees Celsius (113 degrees Fahrenheit) in several parts of some Mexican states, setting records for the month.
The current week is showing similar trends. Temperatures will exceed 45 degrees Celsius (113 degrees Fahrenheit) in at least two states (Baja California and Sonora). Between 40 and 45 degrees Celsius will be the temperature in five other states.
According to figures provided by the Secretariat, the majority of the deaths—roughly 157, or 63%—were reported during the “third heat wave” of the four waves anticipated for 2023.
Government data reveals that “heat stroke” accounts for 92.4% of fatalities, with dehydration being the reason in the remaining instances.
“52 associated cases and four deaths were reported nationwide” between July 16 and July 22.
On those same days a year ago, the government reported “282 cases associated with extreme natural temperatures and 38 deaths nationwide, of which seven are attributable to the third heat wave and were notified late.”
The government suggests avoiding the sun as much as possible, particularly between the hours of 11 in the morning and 3 in the afternoon, and drinking at least two litres of bottled, boiled, or sterilised water “frequently” to counteract high temperatures.
They recommend dressing appropriately, using sunscreen, and donning helmets or caps.