Baja California records 61 heat-related deaths in deadliest season in a decade

The 2026 heat season in Baja California has been the deadliest in a decade, resulting in 61 deaths associated with extreme temperatures. According to State Health Secretary Dagoberto Valdés Juárez, 58 of these fatalities occurred in Mexicali.

Valdés Juárez noted that the combination of extreme heat and high humidity contributed to the increase in lethal cases, particularly affecting vulnerable populations such as people experiencing homelessness and those with addiction issues. While authorities conducted patrols in high-concentration areas like the Centro Cívico with support from Civil Protection, officials acknowledged that these efforts were insufficient to prevent the rising death toll. The state health department plans to strengthen inter-institutional coordination to better protect at-risk groups during future heat seasons.