On Tuesday, multiple cities across Mexico experienced rolling blackouts as soaring temperatures and a state of emergency declared by the national energy authority left residents in the dark.
A blistering heat wave has gripped Mexico in recent days, pushing temperatures into the triple digits in several states. Mexico City recorded its hottest May 7 in over two decades, with the mercury hitting 92 degrees Fahrenheit.
The energy authority, Cenace, declared a state of emergency for the national grid due to a drop in available power levels. Although the system returned to normal shortly after, blackouts plagued municipalities throughout the country, with social media flooded with images of darkened city skylines.
Local officials confirmed blackouts in the state of Mexico, including in San Mateo Atenco and Metepec near Mexico City. In Nuevo Laredo, near the Texas border, residents were urged to avoid driving during the blackout.
The national energy agency attributed the electricity shortage to a combination of factors, including a decrease in wind and solar power generation and offline power plants. As nighttime demand increased, rolling power interruptions were necessary, with electricity gradually being restored from 8 p.m. to 11 p.m.
This is not the first time Mexico has faced blackouts during extreme weather events, such as hurricanes or heat waves. Last June, hundreds of heat-related deaths were reported during power failures, despite attempts by federal and state governments to downplay the situation.
As Mexico grapples with the effects of the heat wave and power outages, residents are urged to conserve energy and stay safe during this challenging time.
