Riviera Maya, Q. R. — As temperatures continue to soar, Civil Protection warns residents against direct sun exposure. Adrián Martínez Ortega, director general of the State Coordination for Civil Protection says now is the region’s hottest time of the year.
Canicula or the dog days of summer as it’s known, is producing daily temperatures nearing 40 C (104 F) across most of the state. He says Canicula, which consists of around 40 days of extensive heat, generally begins mid-July and runs into August.
He says this time is when the hottest temperatures of the year are experienced and is also when problems like heat stroke are most likely to occur.
Martinez Ortega says that already this season, meteorological stations of the National Meteorological Service (SMN) have recorded temperatures up to 40 C. “The community of Xpichil in the municipality of Felipe Carrillo Puerto registered 40 C degrees on April 12, the highest temperature that has been had this year,” he said.
He says high temperatures have also been recorded in Dziulche in José María Morelos with 39.5 C and that Tihosuco, Felipe Carrillo Puerto, La Unión in Othón P. Blanco and the island of Cozumel have all registered 39 C.
In the capital city of Chetumal, residents have had to deal with 37 C, while in Kantunilkín in Lázaro Cárdenas they have reached 36.5 C. Cancún and Juan Sarabia have also recorded 36 C days, while Playa del Carmen’s hottest registered day this season has been 35.5 C.
“Among the most common characteristics of this period are temperatures above 37 degrees Celsius, excessive heat, decreased rainfall and clear skies,” he explained reminding people to stay hydrated and out of the direct sun.