The Mexican Ministry of Health announced on Thursday that the number of deaths resulting from the heat wave sweeping most parts of Mexico since March reached 155, with 30 new cases between June 13 and 18.
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In total, 2,567 health problems attributed to “extreme natural temperatures” have been recorded since March 17, according to the ministry’s weekly report, which covers the hot season, which extends from March 17 to October 5.
Heat killed mainly in the eastern state of Veracruz along the Gulf of Mexico (56), then in Tabasco on the Yucatán Peninsula (18) and in three northern states: Tamaulipas (17), Nuevo León (12), and San Luis Potosi (11).
Experts from the Global Weather Reference Network estimated on Thursday that the deadly heat wave, which hit the United States, Mexico and Central America at the end of May and beginning of June, has become 35 times more likely due to climate change.
In Mexico, cities broke temperature records, such as the capital, Mexico City (34.7 degrees on May 25).
Due to high temperatures and lack of rain, water levels in many dams remain very low and lakes dry up.
The situation turned suddenly on Wednesday when Tropical Storm Alberto dumped torrential rains and killed four people when it made landfall in the northeastern state of Nuevo Leon.
But the Ministry of Health warned that most parts of the country will continue to experience sweltering temperatures that could exceed 45 degrees in the state of Baja California.
Dozens of howler monkeys also died in the forests of Tabasco and Chiapas in the south of the country, where temperatures were recorded in excess of 40 degrees.
