Mexico City has reached its hottest temperature ever, with thermometers reading 34.7 degrees Celsius as a deadly heatwave sweeps the country.
The Tacubaya observatory recorded the “highest temperature since records have been kept” on Saturday afternoon, according to the National Meteorological Service.
The previous record temperature of 34.4 degrees Celsius was set the day before at the same station in the city, according to the weather service.
Mexico has reported 48 deaths as a result of strong heatwaves that have struck the country since March, the government announced on Friday.
According to the health ministry, more than 950 persons have suffered various health impacts during the same time period as of May 21.
The eastern coastal state of Veracruz had the most deaths, with 14, followed by Tabasco, San Luis Potosi, and Tamaulipas, all with eight. Last year, Mexico reported a record 419 heat-related deaths during the hot season, which lasted from March to October in a country of 129 million people.
Not only are humans suffering; dozens of howler monkeys have died in southern Mexico, most likely as a result of the heat.
Scientists from Mexico’s National Autonomous University warned on Wednesday that the city could set new records in the next two weeks due to rising heat.
This year is on track to be “the warmest year in history,” according to Francisco Estrada, coordinator of the university’s Climate Change Research Programme.
Mexico City, which is 2,240 meters above sea level, has always had a mild environment, and few homes have air conditioning.
However, the capital has set new high-temperature records this summer, with temperatures reaching 34.3 C on May 9 and 34.2 C on April 15.
