Mexico Heat Wave Leaves Over 100 Dead; Highs Near 50 Degrees

The health ministry said on Thursday that at least 100 people have died in Mexico in the last two weeks from heat-related causes, with temperatures reaching up to 50 degrees Celsius (122 Fahrenheit) in certain areas.

This month’s three-week-long heat wave stretched the electrical grid with unprecedented demand, forcing authorities to cancel classes in certain locations and leaving many Mexicans sweating.

According to the ministry record, in severe temperatures, more than two-thirds of the deaths occurred during the week of June 18- 24, with the balance occurring the prior week. During the same period last year, there was only one heat-related fatality.

Heat stroke was responsible for nearly all of the deaths, with dehydration accounting for a few. Approximately 64% of the deaths occurred in the northern state of Nuevo Leon, which borders Texas. The majority of the rest were in the neighboring Gulf Coast state Tamaulipas and Veracruz.

Temperatures have dropped in recent days as the rainy season has brought much-needed precipitation. However, temperatures in some northern cities remain high.

On Wednesday, the hamlet of Aconchi In the state of Sonora experienced highs of 49 degrees Celsius (120 Fahrenheit).

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