Climate Monday, March 17: Avoid High Temperatures in CDMX

As March 17 ushers in a holiday period in Mexico, many children and teenagers enjoy a break from school, while numerous workers are granted a day of respite, as stipulated by the Federal Labor Law. Families typically seize this opportunity to engage in outdoor recreational activities, making it crucial to stay abreast of the weather forecast.

The likelihood of rainfall in Mexico City on this particular Monday is almost negligible, with a slim 0% chance during daytime hours and a mere 1% at night. Consequently, there is no need to carry an umbrella.

Cloud cover is also anticipated to be sparse, estimated at just 3% during the day and completely clear skies at night. Consequently, the sun will shine intensely, necessitating the use of protective gear such as hats, sunglasses, and sunscreen for any outdoor excursions.

The predicted temperature will reach a maximum of 28 degrees Celsius, while dipping to a low of 10 degrees Celsius. Wind gusts are expected to peak at 35 kilometers per hour during the day and may intensify to 39 kilometers per hour at night.

Mexico City’s climate, influenced by its geographical size and location, lacks uniformity and exhibits diverse conditions, ranging from temperate to humid cold, and even alpine tundra in the southern highlands. Generally, the city experiences a warm and temperate climate, with temperatures fluctuating between 22 and 27 degrees Celsius. The summer months are characterized by substantial rainfall, particularly in June, August, and September.

During the winter season, temperatures can plummet to freezing levels in higher-altitude peripheral areas like the Ajusco. Conversely, regions such as Iztacalco, Iztapalapa, Venustiano Carranza, and Gustavo A. Madero tend to maintain drier and more moderate temperatures.

Historical weather events reveal a rare snowfall that occurred in 1967. The area recorded its highest temperature on May 9, 1998, reaching an impressive 33.9 degrees Celsius, while the record low of -10 degrees Celsius was witnessed on December 10, 1972.

With the ever-evolving challenges posed by climate change, Mexico City faces significant environmental hurdles. In response, a series of initiatives focusing on integrated and sustainable mobility, solar energy, zero waste, sustainable water management, river restoration, revegetation, air quality improvement, and climate awareness are being implemented. These efforts involve collaboration between the Ministry of the Environment (Sedema) and various partners working towards sustainable development.

Geographically positioned advantageously, Mexico holds the distinction of being one of the most biodiverse nations globally. Its wide spectrum of climate zones supports 12% of the world’s species, with an impressive 12,000 being endemic to the region.

The division of the country by the Tropic of Cancer into tropical and temperate zones results in a blending of climatic conditions influenced by diverse terrains and oceanic patterns. This tapestry of weather includes frigid temperatures of around -30 degrees Celsius in Chihuahua’s highest altitudes to scorching conditions of up to 50 degrees Celsius in the Mexicali desert.

Distinctive segments of Mexico include the warm, rainy zones along the Gulf of Mexico and Pacific coastal plains; warm-humid and warm sub-humid regions located in the Gulf, the Pacific, Isthmus of Tehuantepec, northern Chiapas, and Yucatan Peninsula; dry climates in the Sierra Madre Occidental and Eastern, the Balsas and Papaloapan river basins, and parts of the Isthmus of Tehuantepec, Yucatan, and Chiapas; temperate zones predominantly north of the Tropic of Cancer; and semi-desert regions scattered across the Altiplano’s northern part.

The average national temperature stands at 19 degrees Celsius. However, cities like Mexicali, Culiacán, Ciudad Juárez, Hermosillo, Torreón, Saltillo, and Monterrey are familiar with more extreme highs.

The highest temperature ever recorded in Mexico took place in San Luis Río Colorado, Sonora, reaching an astonishing 58.5 degrees Celsius on July 6, 1966. In contrast, the coldest temperature plummeted to -25 degrees Celsius on December 27, 1997, in Chihuahua’s Municipality of Madero.

Looking into the future, specialists expect climate change to result in reduced annual precipitation and elevated temperatures. This trend has already posed significant challenges to farmers and ranchers, who have encountered both droughts and severe flooding. Furthermore, increased temperatures have triggered environmental contingencies in major urban centers like Mexico City and Monterrey, accentuating the need for mission-critical climate action.