Every year, we can witness a climatic phenomenon that impacts people, called the Canicula. During this period, there is a notable temperature risebecoming the hottest time of the year due to the inclination of the Earth’s axis with respect to the Sun. In the following Depor note, we tell you what it consists of and which states of Mexico will be affected.
What is heatwave?
The heatwave, a meteorological phenomenon characterized by a reduction in precipitation and an increase in temperatures, is about to begin in Mexico during the summer. During this period, an intense drought is experienced due to little or no rain, which also causes strong heat.
When does the heatwave begin and end in Mexico?
During the session of the Technical Committee for the Operation of Hydraulic Works of the National Water Commission (Conagua), Alejandra Margarita Méndez, general coordinator of the National Meteorological Service (SMN), reported that the heatwave in 2023 could begin next week, starting on Monday, July 24.
“It is very likely that next week we can start the heatwave phenomenon, which is characterized by decreased rainfall and increased temperatures on the Gulf coast and central states”he stressed.
According to the information provided by Conagua, the heatwave does not represent the 40 hottest days of the year in Mexico, unlike what happens in other regions. Although the highest temperatures are experienced in the northwest of the country during the summer, this area is not in its rainy season, so there is no significant decrease in rainfall between July and August. It is estimated that the heatwave will end at the end of August, coinciding with the intensification of the hurricane season.
What will be the states most affected by heatwave 2023?
In Mexico, 17 are the state that will be the most affected by Canicula:
- campeche
- Colima
- Chiapas
- Warrior
- Gentleman
- Michoacan
- Morelos
- New Lion
- oaxaca
- Puebla
- Quintana Roo
- San Luis Potosi
- Tabasco
- Tamaulipas
- Tlaxcala
- veracruz
- Yucatan
While the states that are not affected by the heat wave are Mexico City, Zacatecas, Aguascalientes, Coahuila and Querétaro. Finally, the head of the National Meteorological Service explained that the heatwave should not be confused with the so-called heat wave, because they are similar but there are characteristics that differentiate it.
What is the difference between heatwave and a heat wave?
In Mexico, there are two different meteorological phenomena: heat waves and heat waves. The canícula originates due to the combination of factors such as excessive heating of the air, clear skies and low precipitation. It usually occurs during the last fortnight of July and lasts for about a month.
On the other hand, the heat waves They are generated by the presence of an anticyclone at high levels of the atmosphere, which causes a hot environment, especially in the northwest, north, northeast and western regions of Mexico. To qualify as a heat wave, temperatures must remain above average for more than three consecutive days. It is important to note that heat waves tend to last much shorter than heat waves.