The government of Mexico announced on Friday that 48 people had died as a result of heat waves since March, despite scientists’ warnings that new temperature records may soon be set.
The health ministry reports that within the same time period, over 950 persons experienced various health problems.
In a nation of 129 million people, Mexico recorded a record 419 heat-related deaths during the hot season, which lasts from March to October.
The heat this year, according to President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador, is “exceptional.”
“It’s a very regrettable natural phenomenon related to climate change,” he said at his regular morning news conference.
High temperatures and a lack of wind were exacerbating the pollution problem in Mexico City in particular, Lopez Obrador added.
At 2,240 meters (7,350 feet) above sea level, the capital has always had a mild temperature, with few homes having air conditioning.
However, the National Water Commission said that on May 9, thermometers in Mexico City recorded a record 34.3 degrees Celsius (93.7 degrees Fahrenheit).
San Luis Potosi, in northeastern Mexico, recorded a high temperature of 49.6 degrees Celsius.
Researchers from Mexico’s National Autonomous University issued a warning, speculating that during the next two weeks, more records would be broken.
At a news conference, Francisco Estrada, the coordinator of the university’s Climate Change Research Program, stated that this year is expected to be “the warmest year in history.”
Not alone are humans suffering, but dozens of howler monkeys have also died in southern Mexico, presumably from the heat.
