Scorching Heat Tests Both Sides of U.S.-Mexico Border

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In the midst of scorching heat on the U.S.-Mexico border, people sought ways to cope and find relief from the blistering temperatures.

Maribel Padilla, a member of the Brown Bag Coalition, offered assistance to the homeless in Calexico, situated between Mexico and California, where the mercury reached a scorching 113 degrees Fahrenheit (45 degrees Celsius). She provided them with cold, wet towels and refreshments to help them find respite. Many used the towels to shield themselves from the sun and rehydrated with cool bottles of water.

Meanwhile, on the Mexican side in Mexicali, some sought solace by immersing themselves in indoor pools for exercise and to escape the sweltering conditions. An outdoor taekwondo class opted to wait for the sun to set before engaging in physical activity.

However, for those who had to work outdoors, there was little respite as they endured temperatures of 115 degrees Fahrenheit (46 degrees Celsius), sweating through their clothes. Most others wisely stayed indoors or sought shelter in the shade provided by buildings.

The southwestern U.S. has been experiencing record-breaking heat over the past week, with climate change and the El Nino phenomenon contributing to soaring global temperatures.

Amid these challenging conditions, Maribel Padilla’s compassionate efforts to support the homeless and vulnerable served as a beacon of hope and relief.

[Photo descriptions]

1. A homeless man receives refreshments from Maribel Padilla of the Brown Bag Coalition in Calexico, Calif.

2. Three homeless men express gratitude as they are given cold, wet towels by Maribel Padilla in Calexico, Calif.

3. Women participate in an exercise class at a public pool in Mexicali, Mexico.

4. Elizabeth Lopez swims at a public pool in Mexicali, Mexico.

5. Children take part in a Taekwondo class after sunset, escaping temperatures beyond 115 degrees Fahrenheit in Mexicali, Mexico.

6. Men seek refuge in the shade during extreme heat in Calexico, Calif.

7. A homeless man carries a bag of refreshments provided by Maribel Padilla in Calexico, Calif.

8. Homeless men express appreciation for the cold, wet towels given by Maribel Padilla in Calexico, Calif.

9. Homero Acevedo sings for tips amidst the line of cars waiting to cross the border in Mexicali, Mexico, where he works only until the morning due to the extreme heat.

10. Pablo Suarez’s shirt is soaked with sweat before seven in the morning as he parks cars and provides security for a downtown cafe in Mexicali, Mexico.

11. Victor Hernandez waits for work washing windows among the line of cars waiting to cross the border in Mexicali, Mexico, working only till ten in the morning due to the extreme heat.

12. Jorge Martinez tends to his taco stand after sunset, avoiding afternoon hours due to the intense heat that keeps his patrons away.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about scorching heat

More about scorching heat

• AP Photos: People Shade, Hydrate, and Stay Indoors in Scorching Heat on U.S.-Mexico Border (source: AP News)
• Brown Bag Coalition (source: Brown Bag Coalition’s official website)
• El Nino and Climate Change (source: National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration)
• Mexicali, Mexico (source: Britannica)
• Calexico, California (source: Britannica)
• Record Hot Weather in the Southwest U.S. (source: CNN Weather)
• Understanding Climate Change: Causes and Effects (source: NASA Climate)
• Global Temperature Trends (source: National Centers for Environmental Information)
• Impact of Extreme Heat on Vulnerable Populations (source: Environmental Health Perspectives)
• Climate Initiative by AP (source: Associated Press)
• AP’s Climate and Environmental Coverage (source: Associated Press)