We're Having a Heat Wave in Puerto Vallarta - Get the 'Feels Like' Facts Team Angels - Vallarta Opina
go to original August 13, 2015

The intense heat wave felt in the region of Puerto Vallarta and Banderas Bay this August has been described by many as oppressive and sweltering since it has been many years since the sensation of heat and humidity has been felt so strongly.

And it is not only the lack of rain in recent months, but the intense heat and humidity with high percentages combined with the Heat Index (apparent temperature), which is nothing other than the temperature felt by the human body in these conditions of high heat and humidity. The Heat Index is a measure of how hot it really feels when relative humidity is factored in with the actual air temperature.

In recent days the thermometer recorded temperatures reaching 32, 33 and even 34 degrees Celsius (89.6 F, 91.4 F and 93.2 F); however, with the Heat index the "feels like" temperature has been reported at 38, 39 and 40 degrees Celsius (100.4 F, 102.2 F and 104 F), figures which are considered very high for the region of Puerto Vallarta and Banderas Bay and are currently recording the highest temperatures in the last 10 or 15 years.

Those who have lived in Puerto Vallarta for over 20 or 30 years ensure us that the temperatures have risen gradually, but there is no precedent for this year.

Even records of the Meteorology Unit of the Costa University (CUCosta) realize that in the last 10 or 15 years that temperatures this high have not been recorded or such a significant strong and oppressive Heat Index which is being experienced. Temperatures feeling up to 40 degrees Celsius (104 F) in the shade can occur  due to the high humidity.

Therefore, it is not uncommon to see people on the street or the Malecon with their chilled bottle of water or buying cold and frozen treats such as paletas or nueves or purchasing agua fresca from the vendors, with the aim to cool down a little because of the oppressive heat. The vendors selling these refreshing products report that their sales on the streets of Puerto Vallarta and Banderas Bay have also been on the rise.

Translated and edited by Team Angels