Scorching heat engulfs Mexico: Over two dozen states expected to surpass 45 degrees Celsius today, May 22nd
Mexico is bracing for a series of weather events over the next few days, as several states are expected to experience showers, isolated rains, and potentially severe storms.
The National Meteorological Service (SMN) has issued a warning for strong rains in Coahuila, Nuevo Leon, Hidalgo, State of Mexico, Mexico City, and Chiapas. In addition, southern component winds with gusts of 50 to 70 km/h and possible formation of whirlwinds or tornadoes are forecasted for Coahuila, Nuevo Leon, and Tamaulipas. Gusts of 40 to 60 km/h are expected in several other states, including Baja California, Baja California Sur, Sonora, Aguascalientes, Nayarit, Jalisco, Michoacán, Guanajuato, Querétaro, Hidalgo, Puebla, Tlaxcala, State of Mexico, Mexico City, Guerrero, and Oaxaca.
In the Valley of Mexico, a clear sky, haze, and a temperate environment are expected in the morning, with a warm to hot environment, partly cloudy to cloudy sky with the possibility of rains with electrical discharges and hail in the afternoon.
To stay safe during this weather event, the public is advised to take several precautions. It is recommended to stay in the shade or cool places, and not to stay for a long time inside a vehicle with closed windows. People are encouraged to wear light colours, sunglasses, a hat, and/or cap. It is also important to drink plenty of fluids.
Attention should be paid to the health of vulnerable groups such as babies, children, the elderly, and the sick; in case of heatstroke or sunstroke, medical attention is necessary. To minimise the risk of foodborne illness, it is crucial to wash and disinfect fruits and vegetables, and to wash hands before preparing and consuming food, and after going to the bathroom.
In light of these weather conditions, the responsible entities for forecasting and warning of heavy rain and thunderstorms expected for Mazatlán and all of Sinaloa over the weekend are the meteorological and civil protection authorities in Mexico, such as the National Meteorological Service (Servicio Meteorológico Nacional) and the Civil Protection agencies at state and municipal levels.
Furthermore, people are advised to avoid prolonged sun exposure and intense activities between 11:00 and 16:00 hours. It is also recommended to avoid eating in public places, as the heat quickly decomposes food.
On May 22, a heatwave is expected in 27 states of Mexico, with temperatures of up to 45 degrees forecasted. In addition, strong rains, gusts of wind, electrical discharges, and hail are expected in several states.
The US and Mexico have also taken steps to address a separate environmental issue, with the agreement to stop sewage flow from Tijuana to Southern California.
Stay safe and follow the advice of local authorities during this weather event.
