Heatwave Alert: Cancún Hospitals Treat 16 Heat Stroke Cases in Rising Temperatures

Cancún's Red Cross has reported treating 14 individuals for heat-related issues, as the city experiences a surge in heat stroke cases due to rising temperatures. Thankfully, there have been no fatalities reported so far.

Mexico is currently experiencing its third heat wave, with temperatures expected to surpass 45 degrees Celsius in nearly half of the country's states over the weekend, according to the National Weather Service (SMN). Researchers from the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM) predict that Mexico will face record-breaking temperatures within the next 10 to 15 days. The SMN also forecasts at least five heat waves between March and July.

Regions such as Yucatán are expected to endure temperatures between 40 and 45 degrees Celsius, while Quintana Roo, Chiapas, Chihuahua, Colima, Durango, Guanajuato, Hidalgo, Puebla, Querétaro, Sonora, and Zacatecas are bracing for temperatures over 40 degrees. Cancún has already seen a significant increase in temperatures.

In response to the escalating heat, the Mexican Social Security Institute (IMSS) has treated two individuals for heat stroke since March. The Red Cross has provided medical aid to nine people and relief assistance to five others. Despite average temperatures hovering between 31 and 33 degrees, the perceived heat has reached 38 or 39 degrees. Residents are frequently seen carrying umbrellas and hydrating beverages. The demand for ice at convenience stores has also spiked, leading to a three-bag limit per customer, although no shortages have been reported.

Experts from UNAM warn of potentially record-breaking temperatures in the next 10 to 15 days. The Institute of Atmospheric Science and Climate Change (ICAyCC) has issued a public health and environmental warning due to the impending intense heat. Heat stroke cases in Cancún are expected to rise.

This past April was the hottest on record not only for Mexico, but for 47 other countries. This trend suggests that 2024 could be the hottest year ever recorded due to climate change and urbanization. The heat is expected to continue in the coming days.

The National Hurricane Center in Miami, Florida, USA, as reported by the SMN, is monitoring the Caribbean Sea and the Gulf of Mexico due to a low-pressure zone over the Atlantic Ocean, northeast of The Bahamas. This zone, currently posing no risk to Quintana Roo, has a 10 percent chance of cyclonic development within the next week.