A heatwave has recently impacted Mexico, Central America, and the southern United States, spurred by human-induced climate change. According to a study by World Weather Attribution (WWA), this heatwave was made 35 times more likely due to global warming. The heatwave, occurring between May and early June 2024, was characterized by a persistent heat dome affecting regions from Mexico to Texas, Arizona, Nevada, and further south to countries like Belize, Honduras, Guatemala, and El Salvador.
Temperatures in some areas reached record highs, with Mexico experiencing its hottest June day ever at nearly 52°C on June 13. In addition to breaking temperature records, the extreme heat contributed to severe droughts, forest fires, and significant health impacts, particularly among vulnerable populations. In Phoenix, Arizona, 72 suspected heat-related deaths were being investigated as of June 8, marking an 18% increase compared to the previous year.
The WWA study highlights that the likelihood and intensity of such extreme heat events have quadrupled since the turn of the millennium due to rising global temperatures. The combination of daytime and nighttime heat has particularly strained regions with inadequate infrastructure and resources to cope with such conditions. The study emphasizes the critical need for adaptation measures to manage the growing risks associated with heatwaves and other climate change impacts.