Have you noticed that these days It has rained more frequently and intensely in Mexico City?, Are you wondering why the southern part of the capital has been one of the areas most affected by flooding? Well, these questions have a scientific explanation.
The heavy rains in September have not given a break and continue to hit the Valley of Mexico, to the point of leaving rivers of water and mud in the streets, fallen trees and even causing the landslides and tragedies such as those experienced in Jilotzingo and Naucalpan, in the State of Mexico.
These precipitations have been constant, in addition to the daily announcements related to torrential rains and thunderstormsrecording a drop of 150 to 250 milliliters of water in just 24 hours.
The unusual downpours have also caused the capital authorities to activate the rain alertsFor example, the Secretariat for Comprehensive Risk Management and Civil Protection has issued five yellows (the lowest classification in its Alert Traffic Light), two oranges and two purples.
This last color is considered the highest level of the traffic light, which is only activated in cases of persistent heavy rains and high risk of flooding, landslides, strong water currents, as well as rapid rises in rivers and streams.
Just last Monday, September 16, the Purple Alert was activated for the Magdalena Contreras and Tlalpan municipalities.
Is this an atypical rainy season?
In an interview for the UNAM Gazette, David K. Adamsa researcher at the Department of Atmospheric Sciences at the Institute of Atmospheric Sciences and Climate Change (ICAyCC), indicated that, to define whether a rainy season is unusual, it is necessary to compare many decades of data with the present.
“The climate changes over time and there is a lot of variability; we call it interannual: Every year is a little different from the last“, the expert explained.
Regarding this year’s heavy rains, the specialist ventured to say that they have indeed been different, but warned that it is essential to wait until the end of the season to gather all the necessary information and thus be able to define them with greater precision.
For now, he explained that “this year in particular it took a little longer to start raining more frequently.” and stressed that “what is interesting or different is the continuity, particularly of the south side of mexico city.”
“Day after day, after day. It rains in the afternoon and this is a little different. It usually rains for two weeks, 10 days, and then it stops for a few days and starts again,” he added.
Will it continue to rain in the Valley of Mexico?
Adams said the country is experiencing “what are called neutral El Niño and La Niña conditions, which can affect the region or even the entire country, where it rains more frequently and more intensely.”
As the researcher explained, The temperature in the Gulf of Mexico and near the Caribbean is a little higher than usual at this time. late August, early September, when the water is warmer. This can increase water vapor in the atmosphere, which in turn increases the amount of precipitation.
He also said that with the ‘La Niña’ phenomenon, it is common for there to be a little more rain in the south-central region.
2024-09-20 07:12:41