Mexico’s Heatwave Ends, But Scorching Temps Linger

Mexico — Although the 2025 canícula officially concludes between August 19 and 20, high temperatures will continue across a large portion of Mexico, making it necessary to continue taking the appropriate precautions. This means staying permanently hydrated, using sunscreen, and wearing light-colored clothing when outdoors to avoid suffering from the intense sun rays.

The canícula is a meteorological phenomenon characterized as the hottest period of the year, featuring an increase in temperatures and a decrease in rainfall. Its name originates from the Canis Major constellation, which the Romans referred to as “Canícula.” In Mexico, the 2025 canícula began on July 2 and was forecast to last approximately 40 days, extending until mid-to-late August. And although it concludes in the coming hours, extreme heat and drought are expected to continue for the remainder of this month.

The most vulnerable zones during this period are found primarily in the southeast, center, and Bajío regions of Mexico. In the southeast, states like Campeche, Chiapas, Quintana Roo, Tabasco, Veracruz, and Yucatán experience extremely high temperatures with a marked decline in precipitation. For example, during this 2025 canícula, the state of Quintana Roo has experienced a notable decrease in the amount of rainfall, which is dangerous because that increases the sea temperature and favors the formation of hydrometeorological phenomena. It should not be forgotten that the region is currently in hurricane season.

In the center of the country, entities such as Colima, Guerrero, Michoacán, Morelos, Oaxaca, Puebla, and Tlaxcala face a concerning combination of intense heat and prolonged drought. Meanwhile, the Bajío region, including Guanajuato, Hidalgo, and San Luis Potosí, also reports high temperature levels and a water deficit that threatens crops and water sources.

On the other hand, although the north of the country also registers high temperatures, states like Baja California and Sonora are less affected thanks to the Mexican monsoon, which favors the arrival of rains. In contrast, Mexico City and the State of Mexico present more temperate conditions, with temperatures hovering around 25 to 30 degrees Celsius, although this season they have experienced very heavy rains and flooding.

As previously indicated, although the canícula is about to conclude, the high temperatures will remain for a few more days, possibly for the rest of August and a little beyond. The weather is expected to change around September 22, which is when autumn begins.