Third heat wave hits much of Mexico's territory 3:39

(CNN) -- According to an analysis by the research group Climate Central, climate change caused by human activity has increased the likelihood of near-record temperatures in large areas of Texas and Mexico fivefold.

A week of unusual extreme heat is expected across large areas of Central America to the southern United States. Many major cities in Texas and Mexico will record temperatures of up to 40 degrees Celsius, Thursday through Monday. According to the Weather Prediction Center (WPC), Texas could break or match daily records for maximum temperatures over the next week.

The National Weather Service (NWS) issued heat advisories for South Texas and even southern Louisiana on Thursday. The heat index for this Thursday could reach and exceed 43 degrees Celsius.

"The heat index, also known as the apparent temperature, is what temperature feels like to the human body when relative humidity combines with air temperature. This has important considerations for the comfort of the human body," warns the (NWS).

  • What is causing the intense heat wave in Mexico?

Climate Change Index (Credit: Climate Central)

Texas power company ERCOT has already announced that it expects high energy demand in the coming days, so it warns residents to be prepared in case of a blackout.

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Climate Central researchers use a tool that analyzes the region's temperatures throughout history since records began, from a past without climate change to today's changing climate. This is a common scientific technique called attribution, which analyzes climate data and models to determine whether an extreme weather event has worsened or is more likely due to human-caused climate change.

In the case of Climate Central, they use a Climate Change Index, which shows how climate change affects everyday weather in a particular area. The researchers also claim that several Texas cities have experienced a significant increase in daily temperatures in recent years: Austin now experiences 53 more days of risky heat a year than in 1970, while Houston and McAllen face about 52 more days of extreme risky heat than in 1970.

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