Low temperatures and weak winds exacerbated the situation.
On Thursday, the Mexican Megalopolis Environmental Commission (CAMe) activated Phase 1 of the atmospheric environmental contingency in Mexico City, and the states of Hidalgo and Tlaxcala, after the use of fireworks on New Year’s Eve.
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The CAMe detected 107.3 micrograms per cubic meter of particulate matter 2.5 (PM) at the Santiago Acahualtepec (SAC) station, located in the Iztapalapa borough of Mexico City, which exceeded permitted levels.
The spike in pollutants, caused primarily by the use of fireworks and the burning of materials and fuels, affected the Mexican capital and localities in Hidalgo and Tlaxcala. Low temperatures and weak winds during the early morning hours exacerbated the situation.
The contingency plan aims to reduce exposure to polluted air and decrease emissions. It applies to the boroughs of Iztapalapa, Milpa Alta, Tlahuac, and Xochimilco, as well as municipalities in the State of Mexico such as Chalco, Amecameca, Cocotitlan, and Ozumba.
🥳🎶 ÁNGEL DE LA INDEPENDENCIA VIBRA CON LA CELEBRACIÓN DE AÑO NUEVO 🎆✨
El Ángel de la Independencia se transformó en una enorme pista de baile, donde música, luces y emoción envuelven a miles de personas que disfrutan el ambiente y se alistan para el conteo final rumbo al… pic.twitter.com/oc3DyJ7hz0
— México Ahora (@AhoraMex) January 1, 2026
The text reads, “The Angel of Independence was transformed into a huge dance floor, where music, lights, and excitement enveloped thousands of people who enjoyed the atmosphere and got ready for the final countdown to New Year’s 2026.”
The CAMe also recommended consulting the AIRE CDMX mobile app and avoiding outdoor activities, smoking in enclosed spaces, and prolonged exposure to polluted air.
Indoors, it advised using air conditioning in recirculation mode, keeping doors and windows closed, and reducing the use of private vehicles to decrease emissions.
Industries with processes that generate particulate matter must reduce their emissions by 40%. The CAMe ordered the suspension of activities at unregulated plants, artisanal brick kilns, ceramic and foundry operations, as well as construction projects.
Authorities will reinforce fire prevention measures and penalize vehicles that are visibly polluting. These measures aim to reduce dust sources and protect the health of residents in areas affected by the situation.
#FromTheSouth News Bits | Mexico: At least 13 people were killed, and nearly 100 were injured when the Transistmo train, part of the Interoceanic Corridor of the Isthmus of Tehuantepec, derailed in the community of Nizanda. pic.twitter.com/kCOWVDD1gj
— teleSUR English (@telesurenglish) January 1, 2026
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Source: EFE
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