The ongoing heat wave in Mexico has resulted in more than 60 deaths, according to the Secretary of Health. This grim milestone was reached after over a dozen new fatalities were reported in the past week. In addition to the deaths, another 390 cases of people suffering from various heat effects have been recorded.
Environmental Impact: Howler Monkeys Perish Amid Soaring Temperatures
In the southeastern state of Tabasco, temperatures exceeding 50°C (122°F) have led to the tragic deaths of at least 164 howler monkeys. Exhausted and dehydrated, these primates have been falling from trees despite local efforts to save them. “Temperatures have never risen to this level for so long,” noted a veterinarian involved in rescue operations in the jungle near Comalcalco.
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Unprecedented Heat Wave: A National Crisis
Mexico is enduring its third heat wave of the year, driven by a high-pressure system that prevents cloud formation and maximizes sun exposure. In 19 of the country’s 32 states, temperatures have consistently surpassed 45°C (113°F). The Ministry of Health has confirmed 61 heat-related deaths so far. Although there has been some scattered rainfall, more than 70% of Mexico remains in drought, with 4,650 fires reported in the first half of the year, 132 of which are still active.
“Temperatures in 2024 will break all historical records, not only for their intensity but also for the duration and extent of the heat wave, affecting nearly the entire country,” said Jorge Zavala, director of the Institute of Atmospheric Sciences and Climate Change at the National Autonomous University of Mexico. Zavala expressed concerns about the severe health implications, noting that most homes lack adequate ventilation systems to cope with these extreme conditions.
