The Civil Protection Coordinator in Oaxaca, Manuel Maza Sánchez, warned that the state will face an active cyclone season in the Pacific during 2026, with between 18 and 21 storms predicted, in addition to an intense heat wave already affecting various regions.
The forecast primarily covers the coastal area, the Isthmus of Tehuantepec, the Central Valleys, and other regions of the state. According to official estimates, at least four or five of the tropical systems could reach categories 3, 4, or 5 on the Saffir-Simpson scale, which implies a high destructive potential.
These storms could directly impact the Oaxacan coast, especially between August and September, considered the period of greatest cyclonic activity.
The official explained that there is a 61 percent probability of the El Niño phenomenon developing, which could intensify toward the end of the year. This event is expected to increase rainfall in Oaxaca, particularly during the fall months, although with variations in intensity.
In the immediate future, Oaxaca is experiencing a heat wave caused by an anticyclonic system, which is maintaining clear skies and little rain. Temperatures will range between 35 and 45 degrees Celsius in regions such as the Coast, the Isthmus, the Sierra Sur, and the Central Valleys. Extreme temperatures of up to 48 degrees Celsius have already been recorded in the Papaloapan Basin, representing a significant health risk.
Given these conditions, authorities urged the public to avoid prolonged sun exposure, stay hydrated, and refrain from outdoor physical activity during peak hours. They also recommended not crossing rivers or flooded streets during rain and taking extra precautions during thunderstorms, noting that deaths from lightning strikes were recorded in 2025.
Civil Protection officials stressed the importance of staying informed and participating in preventative measures, such as drills and emergency protocols. The climate outlook for 2026 demands constant attention, both due to the risk of intense hurricanes and the extreme heat already affecting the population.
Source: meganoticias
