Argentina is experiencing a severe heat wave affecting ten provinces. A yellow heat alert has been issued for Buenos Aires, where temperatures reached 44.4 degrees Celsius. Over 622,000 people faced power outages, causing disruptions in government services and public transport. A red alert highlights extreme risks in several regions.
Argentina is currently in the midst of a significant heat wave, impacting ten of its twenty-four provinces, as reported by the National Meteorological Service. The situation has prompted authorities in Buenos Aires to issue a yellow heat alert, emphasizing that the extreme temperatures may pose dangers to vulnerable populations, particularly children, senior citizens, and individuals with chronic health conditions.
At approximately 2:45 PM local time, the heat index soared to an alarming 44.4 degrees Celsius (112 degrees Fahrenheit). In response to the harsh conditions, many residents in Buenos Aires have sought refuge in air-conditioned venues, such as shopping malls, parks, and recreational areas, including Parque de los Ninos and Parque de la Ciudad.
The heat wave has been accompanied by extensive power outages across the Buenos Aires metropolitan area, impacting more than 622,000 users and approximately two million individuals, according to local media reports. Key government buildings, including the presidential palace and the Ministry of Economy, were affected by these outages, alongside numerous suburban train lines and metro services which were either suspended or severely limited.
The outages have led to blackouts in various neighborhoods across the central, southern, and western sections of the capital, resulting in significant traffic disruptions as traffic lights ceased to function on what is the first business day following the Carnival holidays. Furthermore, the National Meteorological Service has issued a red alert—the highest level of warning—for certain regions, including Corrientes, Formosa, Chaco, Misiones, and Santiago del Estero, indicating that the high temperatures present a severe risk to all residents, including healthy individuals.
In summary, Argentina is currently grappling with a daunting heat wave that has led to widespread power outages and significant disruptions, particularly in Buenos Aires. With a red alert issued for several provinces, the government is advising caution as extreme temperatures pose serious risks to the health and safety of many citizens. Vulnerable groups are particularly urged to take necessary precautions amid these conditions.
Original Source: global.chinadaily.com.cn
