The third heat wave It has caused temperatures above 45 degrees Celsius in some states of Mexico and things do not seem to improve. The first reports from the National Water Commission indicated that the phenomenon would end on June 18However, the high temperatures will continue for two more weeks. The worst of all is that a fourth heat wave is coming and it would arrive sooner than you thought.
The National Weather Service issued a notice where he mentions that the third heat wave continues due to an anticyclonic circulation in middle levels of the atmosphere. “During the week, the third heat wave will continue on national territory, forecasting temperatures above 30 degrees Celsius in the 32 entities of the country.” The thermometer could exceed 45 degrees in some areas of Baja California, Sonora, Michoacán, Guerrero, Campeche, Yucatán and other states.
Added to that, scientists from the Institute of Atmosphere Sciences and Climate Change of the UNAM anticipated that the fourth heat wave would hit next month. Víctor Manuel Torres Puente, a specialist in tropical meteorology, explained that at the end of the third wave there will be a convective phase in which two cyclones are expected. Subsequently, a new heat wave of similar magnitude will arrive on July 1.
The expert clarified that it is a reserved prognosis, although it is necessary to take forecasts.
What is causing the heat in Mexico?
According to Torres Puente, heat waves occur due to the non-convective phase of the madden and julian swing.
It is a tropical wave that propagates towards the east and that is born in the Indian Ocean. It has a period of 30 to 60 days and a displacement of 14 to 29 kilometers per hour; it is very large and is characterized by having areas of increased and suppressed precipitation; when it is diminished it prevents the development of clouds and precipitation.
Victor Manuel Torres Puente
During the last weeks, very low cloudiness values have been registered, which is associated with greater heat and radiation. For her part, Graciela Binimelis de Raga, from the Micro and Mesoscale Interaction Group, explained that the intensity of a heat wave is increased due to low soil moisture. “Let’s note that a large part of the national territory registers severe and extreme drought,” he said.
The scientist mentioned that the frequency of these waves has increased significantly and a long duration is linked to the El Niño phenomenon. “It’s possible that an El Niño could develop this year, so forecasts should be made for heat waves that could hit in the spring of next year,” she said.
How can you protect yourself from a heat wave?
heat waves are periods of more than three days with excessive temperatures. In Mexico, some states to the north, south and the coasts have exceeded 45 degrees Celsius. The CDMX has registered more than 30 degrees, for which the authorities issued an orange alert in some municipalities.
The main recommendation is Do not expose yourself to solar radiation, especially in the critical period from 2 to 4 in the afternoon. If you have to go out, don’t forget to put on sunscreen, sunglasses, and a cap (or hat). Try to wear light clothing, light colors and preferably long-sleeved.
The most important thing is to stay hydrated. Drink plain water, even if you’re not thirsty. If you live with the elderly, children or people who are undergoing medical treatment, be especially careful, since they are the most vulnerable to heat stroke.