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The National Meteorological Service (SMN) confirmed the start of the 2026 canícula in Mexico, a climatic phenomenon characterized by a decrease in rainfall and an increase in temperatures in different regions of the country.
Although it is usually believed that the hottest days of the year are recorded during this period, the SMN clarifies that this is not true.
Below we explain what the canícula is, how long it lasts, and which states are affected.
¿Qué es la canícula?
According to the SMN, the canícula, also known as the mid-summer drought, is a climatological phenomenon characterized by a temporary decrease or absence of rainfall, which favors an increase in temperatures.
It generally occurs between July and August and lasts approximately 40 days.
Its main characteristics include:
- Incremento de las temperaturas.
- Disminución de las lluvias.
- Calentamiento del aire.
- Cielos mayormente despejados.
¿La canícula trae los días más calurosos del año?
No. The National Meteorological Service explains that, although temperatures rise in some regions during the canícula, the hottest days of the year are usually recorded in May.
¿La canícula afecta a todo México?
No. The SMN points out that this phenomenon does not occur throughout the entire national territory nor does it present the same intensity in all regions.
The main areas where it usually occurs are:
- La vertiente del Golfo de México.
- La Península de Yucatán.
- Algunas regiones del centro del país.
- Las costas del Pacífico sur.
¿Qué estados afecta la canícula 2026?
According to a map shared by the SMN on social media, the phenomenon is currently present in the following states:
- Tabasco
- Chiapas
- Quintana Roo
- Veracruz
- Tamaulipas
- Campeche
- Hidalgo
- Yucatán
- Nuevo León
- San Luis Potosí
- Guerrero
- Oaxaca
- Michoacán
- Puebla
- Querétaro
Estados en transición por la canícula 2026
The agency also identifies a transition zone made up of:
- Coahuila
- Guanajuato
- Morelos
- Tlaxcala
- Estado de México
- Ciudad de México
- Aguascalientes
- Zacatecas
- Colima
- Jalisco
Finally, the SMN points out that Sonora, Sinaloa, Chihuahua, Durango, Nayarit, Baja California, and Baja California Sur are currently unaffected by this phenomenon.
Recomendaciones durante la canícula
To reduce the risks associated with high temperatures, the SMN recommends:
- Mantenerse bien hidratado.
- Usar protector solar.
- Evitar la exposición prolongada al sol.
- Utilizar sombrero, gorra o sombrilla.
- Evitar realizar actividades al aire libre durante las horas de mayor radiación solar.
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