The weather phenomenon known as the canícula is common in Yucatán during the summer.
It is associated with the large dust clouds originating across the Atlantic in Sub Saharan Africa.
The effects of these dust clouds can also include extremely hazy skies and spectacular sunsets during which the sky appears to turn orange.
The National Meteorological Service reports that this time, which normally lasts around 40 days, also triggers lower rainfall.
Another common side effect of the canícula is an increase in both heat and humidity.
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The phenomenon, which sometimes occurs more than once a year, is attributed to the earth’s angle to the sun.
People suffering from allergies are encouraged to take special precautions and avoid spending too much time outside.
Members of the general population are also encouraged not to eat outside and wear a facemask while exercising outdoors to avoid ingesting sand particles.
Though the duration of the phenomena may vary, its most significant effects tend to only last two or three days and generally completely disperse after a week or so.
