At least 112 people have died in Mexico as a result of “natural extreme temperatures” since March, according to the country’s health department.
The heat-related deaths reached a peak in the week of June 18-24, with an unprecedented 69 deaths in one week nationwide as Mexico witnessed its third heatwave this year in June. At least 31 people lost their lives to extreme heat in the week of June 11-17 across the country.
The northern border state of Nuevo León recorded the highest number of heat-related deaths during the March-June 2023 period with 64, according to the health department report.
Heatstroke and dehydration: Heatstroke was reported to be the cause of death in 104 of the fatalities, while dehydration was the cause in the other eight. At least 1,559 people received medical treatment for temperature-related problems in the same period, the report also said.
Mexico has seen record-breaking temperatures, with some locations reporting 45 degrees Celsius in places (113 degrees Fahrenheit) over the past 10 days. The heatwave scorching Mexico has also led to sweltering temperatures in parts of the United States.
Texas & northern Mexico have been sweltering in record-breaking heat, with temperatures up to 115°F (46°C). Shown here is “brightness temperature,” which is a measure of the heat radiating away from land, clouds, or water. Dark red indicates hot areas, while blues are cooler. pic.twitter.com/Z3iBlW1k8d
— NASA Climate (@NASAClimate) June 29, 2023
The report shows a significant spike in heat-related fatalities in the last two weeks. The overall heat-related deaths this year are almost triple the total figures in 2022. Extreme heat claimed 42 lives last year, 33 in 2021 and 37 in 2020, according to the official report.
Many in Mexico without power during heatwave
The sweltering conditions have put a significant strain on the Mexican electric system as more than 10 Mexican states reported power shortages last week.
Experts say a lack of investment has left the Mexican electric system unprepared for the challenge as there is a higher energy demand due to extreme heat. The National Energy Control Center declared emergency operational status when Mexico’s electricity reserve reached a historic low.
“While the energy demand has steadily increased, energy generation hasn’t increased in the past five years,” said Carlos Flores, an energy expert and head of new markets in America for Lightsource BP.
Record-breaking Mexico heatwave enters third week as thousands lose power
— Climate Justice Alliance (CJA) 🌻 (@CJAOurPower) June 25, 2023
Texas, New Mexico, Louisiana, Arkansas, Missouri and Kansas also face scorching temperatures as heat dome settles over Mexico and US south-westpic.twitter.com/Mz66p9Y0tN
