The climate in a specific area is influenced by various factors such as altitude, latitude, terrain orientation, proximity to oceans, and ocean currents. This amalgamation leads to what is referred to as "weather," which is characterized by elements like temperature, pressure, wind, humidity, and precipitation to describe atmospheric conditions in the short term.
To categorize climates, the Wladimir Köppen system is predominantly used, though the Thornthwaite system is also notable as it considers biodiversity and the impacts of climate change on it. Other systems, like Bergeron and Spacial Synoptic, focus on the origins of the air masses defining a region’s climate.
Currently, due to climate change, the planet is experiencing a redistribution process. Even minor changes in average annual temperature can lead to significant alterations in habitats and their conditions. The importance of understanding climate is increasingly recognized by society.
For example, consider the weather forecast for Tijuana on July 23. Whether for a leisurely outing or a busy workday, knowing what the weather will be like in the coming hours can help individuals avoid getting caught in the rain unnecessarily or carrying an umbrella and a coat without need.
On this particular Tuesday, Tijuana is expected to have a mere 1% chance of rain, with temperatures reaching a maximum of 27 degrees Celsius and a minimum of 19 degrees. Cloud cover is predicted to be around 16%, and there’s a 1% chance of rain again during the night.
Tijuana, one of Baja California’s major cities, features a semi-arid climate characterized by dry, temperate to warm summers and mild, humid winters. The average annual temperature sits around 17.5 degrees Celsius. The city’s closeness to the Pacific Ocean results in cooler coastal waters during summer and temperate conditions in winter. Rainfall is infrequent and typically occurs between November and April, prompted by cold fronts or storms.
From fall to spring, Tijuana often experiences the "Santa Ana Winds," which are strong, dry, and warm gusts from the mountains to the sea that can cause heat waves exceeding 30 degrees Celsius. Interestingly, the record low temperature for Tijuana is -9.4 degrees, while the highest recorded temperature is 48.2 degrees. Snow has been reported on five occasions (1967, 2007, 2008, 2014, 2021), though low temperatures are generally rare in this region.
Mexico benefits from its geographical location, with access to both the Caribbean Sea and the Pacific Ocean, as well as being divided by the Tropic of Cancer. This diversity contributes to Mexico being home to at least 12% of the world’s species, with around 12,000 endemic species.
The Tropic of Cancer splits the country into temperate and tropical zones, yet varying altitudes, latitudes, and terrestrial and aquatic distributions give rise to seven identified climate types within Mexico. For instance, temperatures can plummet to -30 degrees in the higher regions of Chihuahua, while they can soar to 50 degrees in the Mexicali desert.
According to the National Meteorological Service, the average annual temperature across Mexico is approximately 19 degrees Celsius. However, cities such as Mexicali, Culiacán, Ciudad Juárez, Hermosillo, Torreón, Saltillo, and Monterrey experience exceptionally high temperatures.
For instance, San Luis RÃo Colorado, situated in Sonora near the Gran Desierto de Altar and Arizona’s border, holds the record for the highest temperature in Mexico, hitting 58.5 degrees Celsius on July 6, 1966. In stark contrast, the lowest recorded temperature happened on December 27, 1997, when temperatures dropped to -25 degrees in Madero, Chihuahua.
This variety of climates has been increasingly impacted by global warming in recent years. Experts predict a grim future for the country characterized by significantly reduced annual rainfall and steep increases in temperatures. The consequences are already visible, affecting farmers and ranchers due to droughts and severe flooding. Additionally, major cities, like Mexico City, have seen a rise in environmental contingencies during heat waves.
For those looking to understand the evolving climate and its implications, resources such as the World Meteorological Organization can provide valuable insights.
Image and News Source: https://www.infobae.com/mexico/2024/07/23/prevision-meteorologica-las-temperaturas-que-se-esperan-en-tijuana-este-23-de-julio/
