October also looks “infernal” for the 921,771 inhabitants of Mérida, as today, Wednesday, they faced 51°C heat at least three times during the day, according to the FiUady station in real-time.
In 2024, extreme heat (40°C or more) has been recorded in Mérida since January. Moreover, the thermal sensation reached 56.7°C (matching the world heat record) on March 26, 58.3°C on May 18, and 58°C on September 19. The 50°C or more heat was almost daily in September, according to FIUady records.
Today, October 3, the maximum air temperature was only 35°C at 1:40 p.m., but the THSW Index (thermal sensation by temperature, humidity, sun, and wind) was 51°C at 12:38 p.m., 12:43 p.m., and again at 1:43 p.m., according to real-time records from the Uady Faculty of Engineering meteorological station (FIUady).
For example, at 1:43 p.m., the heat reached 51°C with a temperature of 35°C, 56% humidity, 872 W/m2 solar radiation, and 11 km/h wind from the South-Southwest. The heat index (thermal sensation caused only by temperature and humidity) also fluctuated during the morning and afternoon, with the highest record being 45°C at 12:43 p.m.
Meanwhile, ultraviolet radiation reached a maximum of 10 at 11:04 a.m., indicating a very high risk of skin and eye damage from unprotected sun exposure. It was one digit short of extreme danger (11 or more).
Heat in Mérida, with sunny skies and drizzle
In downtown Mérida, many people with red and sweaty faces were seen walking at 11:40 a.m. under sunny skies and a barely noticeable drizzle, which only accentuated the suffocating morning heat.
Young people working outdoors were seen taking breaks to buy water or other drinks to stay hydrated.
Central park of Mérida, a refuge from the heat
Other people enjoyed the shade of trees in the central park of San Juan, sitting on benches, while pigeons and other birds frequently visited the La Negrita fountain, which is now operational, to quench their thirst.
Mérida, inhospitable due to the heat
In fact, Mérida is considered one of the places on the planet where the maximum daily heat (humid heat) endangers human life because when it exceeds the prolonged human physiological tolerance limit (35°C), sweat loses its effectiveness as a means to cool the body, and even healthy people can die within six hours, warned Colin Raymond, a postdoctoral researcher at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory, in a study published in 2020.
Diseases from extreme heat
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) report that red skin, excessive sweating, dizziness, and weakness are some symptoms that a person can no longer withstand the high ambient temperature and is experiencing one of the diseases caused by extreme heat, which can be prevented.
Meanwhile, the Mayo Clinic warns that if a person does not take care of themselves in high ambient temperatures, they may suffer from one of the following diseases:
Heat Stroke: A life-threatening condition where body temperature can rise above 41°C within minutes. If you experience dry skin, a rapid and strong pulse, dizziness, nausea, and confusion, seek medical help immediately.
Heat Exhaustion: A condition that can occur after several days of exposure to high temperatures and insufficient fluids. Symptoms include profuse sweating, rapid breathing, and a rapid, weak pulse. If untreated, it can lead to heat stroke.
Heat Cramps: Muscle pains or spasms that occur during intense exercise. They generally affect the abdomen, arms, or legs.
Heat Rash: Skin irritation caused by excessive sweating. It is most common in young children.
Heat-Related Illnesses in Yucatán
In Yucatán, according to the Mexican Ministry of Health (SSA), 14 people fell ill due to heat and sunlight in one month: four from August 18 to 24; five from August 25 to 31; one from September 1 to 7; and four from September 8 to 14 (report published on Monday, the 30th).
This means that, on average, one Yucatecan fell ill due to the heat every two days.
Additionally, in its Extreme Heat Season report, covering from March 17 to October 5, 2024, the SSA reports that eight people fell ill due to extreme temperatures in Yucatán from September 19 to 25 alone. Practically, there is now one patient per day.
During the season from March 17 to September 25, 18 people died from extreme heat in Yucatán, and 244 fell ill. Of these, 206 suffered from heat stroke; 36 from dehydration, and two from sunburn.
Source: Diario de Yucatan
