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Havana is burning: record heat of 38 °C and the consequences for Cuba!
Havana recorded a record 38°C on May 21, 2025. Experts warn about the consequences of global warming and heat waves.
Havana is burning: record heat of 38 °C and the consequences for Cuba!
Havana experienced an unprecedented heat wave this May. On Tuesday, the Casablanca weather station reached an incredible 38.0°C, a new record for this month. The temperature exceeded the previous record of 37.3 ° C, which was measured on May 19, 2024, as directoriocubano.info reported.
The extreme heat is not only a new chapter in Cuba's weather history, but also appears to be a result of increasingly aggressive global warming. On April 11, 2024, the highest temperature ever recorded in Cuba, 40.1 °C, was reached in Jucarito, Granma. Even in Ciego de Ávila, an impressive 40.0 °C was measured on May 14, 2024.
Health effects of heat waves
The health consequences of these heat waves are alarming. Scientific studies published by Dr. Luis Lecha Estela, point out a significant increase in the daily mortality rate during such extreme temperature fluctuations. Particularly vulnerable groups, such as older people, young children and people with chronic illnesses, are severely affected. Loud cybercuba.com, the reports from Villa Clara show us serious cases of heat stress and excess mortality.
Symptoms of extreme heat include dehydration, dizziness and loss of consciousness - warning signs that should not be ignored. The shift away from the assumption that Cuba is protected from extreme weather events due to its insular location is clearly refuted by the systematic heat waves since 2015.
Forecasts and challenges
The projections show that the average annual temperature could rise by over 1°C by 2030 and by as much as 3.5°C by 2070, with significant impacts on public health, agriculture and energy infrastructure. This is happening in a context where already frequent power outages and malnutrition are further exacerbating the living conditions of the population.
The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) has rated 2024 as the warmest year on record, with a global average of 1.55°C higher than the values from 1850 to 1900. Cuba also recorded numerous days with temperatures above 35°C in May 2024, with a maximum of 37.9°C.
Given the increasing heat waves, the urgency to integrate biometeorological forecasts into the plans of the National Civil Defense System becomes clear. The trend suggests a continued increase in extreme heat in all three regions of Cuba, making measures to improve living conditions essential.