The Los Cabos Municipal Health Institute issued a public heat safety advisory this week as temperatures in the municipality reached 45°C (113°F), with heat indices approaching 48°C (118°F). Health coordinator Adán Monroy Justo urged residents and visitors to apply sunscreen, wear hats, drink water instead of sugary beverages, and avoid direct sun exposure between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m.
Anyone experiencing severe headache, blurred vision, or sudden weakness should seek medical attention immediately, Monroy Justo said. The advisory identified infants under one year old and outdoor workers as the highest-risk groups for heat-related illness.
15 Heat Stroke Cases and One Death Reported in BCS
The warning comes as Baja California Sur faces a mounting toll from the heat. According to the state’s General Directorate of Epidemiology, the state has recorded 17 heat-related medical cases this season, including 15 confirmed cases of heat stroke, one case of severe dehydration, and one fatality. Temperatures across the state have ranged between 35°C and 40°C (95°F to 104°F) in recent weeks, with Los Cabos now seeing the most extreme readings.
Alfredo Ojeda Garmendia, director of epidemiology for the Baja California Sur Health Secretariat (SSA BCS), warned that medical emergencies tied to dehydration and heat stroke always spike during this period. CONAGUA, Mexico’s National Water Commission, has also issued reminders that proactive hydration and sun protection are essential as the hottest weeks of the year continue.
What to Do to Stay Safe
Heat stroke occurs when the body loses its ability to cool itself. A person’s core temperature can rapidly exceed 39°C to 40°C (102°F to 104°F), making it a life-threatening emergency. Warning signs include confusion, nausea, rapid pulse, and loss of consciousness.
Health officials recommend scheduling outdoor activities, including beach time, golf, and hiking, for early morning or late afternoon. Light meals are preferable to heavy ones in extreme heat. Beaches with natural shade, such as Playa Santa María or Palmilla, offer better shelter options for those spending the day outdoors.
Drinking plain water throughout the day is critical. Officials stressed that sodas, energy drinks, and alcohol accelerate dehydration. Peak summer in Los Cabos typically runs through September, meaning weeks of intense heat remain ahead.
This story was first reported by the Los Cabos municipal government at loscabos.gob.mx.