Maximum Temperatures and Heat Waves in Mexicali, Mexico: Trends and Threshold Analysis

Abstract

Maximum temperature trends and the corresponding heat wave thresholds in the northwestern city of Mexicali, Mexico, were analyzed using historical data from the site. We found that there seems to be an upward trend in temperature in the past decades, along with an increased number of days reaching maximum temperatures considered as heat waves. Despite the difficulty of establishing heat wave parameters, the trends of the analyzed field data clearly show their presence, mainly during July and August. This trend is also supported by the analysis of the number of admissions and casualties registered in hospitals in the city of Mexicali. This work is a warning on the frequency and duration of a very important climate change-related effect capable of jeopardizing the health of the population in the region and requiring more attention by decision makers and stakeholders. It also helps to document observed climate trends, as requested by the Intergovernmental Panel for Climate Change.

Climate Change and Extreme Temperature Trends in the Baja California Peninsula, Mexico

“…Therefore, the study of maximum temperatures in this region is of great interest. 6,7 Another difficulty in determining climate change trends in a region can be the existence of microclimates. For instance, the phenomenon of heat islands is widely documented in large cities, 8,9 but the effect of microclimates has also been observed in other conditions, such 2 Air, Soil and Water Research as in complex mountainous areas.…”

Rooftop Urban Agriculture Model with Two Tomato Varieties (Lycopersicum esculentum Mill) and Toppings in the High Jungle – Peru

“…The behavior of the maximum temperature and the corresponding thresholds of heat waves have been studied in different places of our planet; In the north-west of the city of Mexicali-Mexico, in recent decades, there is a tendency to increase the temperature, added to a greater number of days with maximum temperatures considered as heat waves [3].…”