Baja California and Sonora lead Mexico heat-related death toll

Extreme heat in Mexico has resulted in 95 confirmed deaths and 1,774 health complications during the 2026 season, according to the General Directorate of Epidemiology. The majority of fatalities are concentrated in the northern states, with Baja California recording 33 deaths (30 from heatstroke and 3 from dehydration) and Sonora recording 22 deaths (21 from heatstroke and 1 from dehydration).

In Baja California, health officials noted a significant spike in deaths, particularly in Mexicali, where many victims were individuals experiencing homelessness. The state's Secretary of Health, Adrián Medina Amarillas, reported that the surge in fatalities has prompted a request for the Mexican Army to implement the DN-III-E Plan to provide civil assistance during this natural disaster.

Nationwide, heatstroke accounts for approximately 94.7 percent of the deaths. Other states reporting fatalities include Veracruz, Chiapas, Quintana Roo, and Tabasco. Meteorological services warn that heatwaves may persist, with temperatures in several northern regions expected to reach or exceed 45 degrees Celsius.