Mexico heat wave leaves at least 112 dead with temperatures peaking at 122 degrees

At least 112 individuals have died over the past two weeks in Mexico due to the extreme temperatures that the country has been experiencing, the health ministry said on Thursday. 

Mexico has faced a three-week-long heat wave this month, bringing temperatures up to 122 degrees Fahrenheit (50 degrees Celsius) to certain parts of the country.

More than half of the heat-related deaths took place from June 18 through 24, while the rest happened last week, the ministry said in a report. Around 64% of the 112 deaths occurred in the northern state of Nuevo Leon, close to the U.S.-Mexico border, while the rest were seen in Tamaulipas and Veracruz. 

The heat-related deaths so far this year are three times higher than the figures for 2022, which saw a high of 42 deaths, according to the Health Ministry. Most of the deaths were attributed to heat stroke, while a few others were caused by dehydration. 

Temperatures have started to cool down as the rainy season makes its way into the region. However, several northern Mexican cities are still grappling with the heat. In the state of Sonora, for example, the town of Aconchi experienced temperatures of 120 degrees Fahrenheit (49 Celsius) on Wednesday. 

The Mexican power grid has become strained by the soaring temperatures, as it faces a record demand for consumption. According to the National Center for Energy Control (Cenace), the grid was reaching an operating reserve margin of under 6%. Blackouts were reported in at least 12 states. 

Similarly to Mexico, the southern part of the United States, from Florida’s Panhandle to Arizona, has also been facing an unprecedented heat wave.

The U.S. The National Weather Service (NWS) issued excessive heat warnings for thousands of Americans as temperatures reach over 100 degrees Fahrenheit (43 degrees Celsius). Authorities are urging residents to exercise caution when doing outdoor activities.