More than 100 people lost their lives due to extreme heat in the country in June, Mexican government data showed, as climate change pushes temperatures to record-highs, with many heat waves also affecting Latin American countries.
According to scientists, global warming is exacerbating extreme weather, with many countries experiencing record-high temperatures.
Data released by the Mexican Health Ministry on Wednesday showed more than 1,000 heat-related emergencies were reported in Mexico between June 12 and 25, including 104 deaths.
Authorities have already reported eight deaths between April 14 and May 31, bringing the total to 112. The leading cause of death was heat stroke, followed by dehydration, according to the health ministry.
The main casualties were reported from northern Mexico, with 64 deaths recorded in the northeastern state of Nuevo León and 19 in neighboring Tamaulipas, which borders the US state of Texas, which has been hit by extreme heat.
The Ministry of Health said: “In Mexico, the maximum temperature is 49 degrees Celsius [120 Fahrenheit] It was recorded this week in the northwestern state of Sonora.”
“The average maximum temperature in Mexico during the summer fluctuates between 30 and 45 degrees Celsius,” it noted.
Authorities also warned the country of 127 million people that another heatwave could hit the country starting July 1. In May, the United Nations warned that it is almost certain that 2023-2027 will be the warmest five-year period on record, as greenhouse gases and El Niño combine to increase temperatures.
