Argentina is facing a severe heat wave affecting 10 provinces, prompting government alerts and power outages impacting 2 million residents. The capital Buenos Aires issued a yellow heat alert due to temperatures reaching 44.4 degrees Celsius. Significant outages disrupted services and government operations, with a red alert for extreme temperatures issued in several provinces.
Argentina is currently enduring a severe heat wave that impacts ten out of the twenty-four provinces, according to the National Meteorological Service. In Buenos Aires, the capital, officials have issued a yellow heat alert, cautioning that the soaring temperatures could pose risks for vulnerable populations, including children, the elderly, and those with chronic health conditions.
The heat index in Buenos Aires reached 44.4 degrees Celsius (112 degrees Fahrenheit) shortly after 2:45 PM. Many residents sought refuge in air-conditioned venues such as malls and parks, specifically Parque de los Ninos in the north and Parque de la Ciudad in the south.
Power outages have affected over 622,000 users, equating to approximately 2 million people in the Buenos Aires metropolitan area. This disruption impacted government buildings, including the presidential palace and the Ministry of Economy. Furthermore, several suburban train lines and metro services experienced suspensions or reductions in service.
Central, southern, and western neighborhoods in Buenos Aires suffered blackouts that led to significant traffic chaos due to inoperative traffic lights, coinciding with the first business day following Carnival holidays. Additionally, a red alert has been issued for select regions in the Corrientes, Formosa, Chaco, Misiones, and Santiago del Estero provinces, indicating that the extreme heat poses extreme danger to all individuals, including those in good health.
The current heat wave in Argentina, highlighted by a concerning rise in temperatures, has led to significant power disruptions affecting millions of residents. Vulnerable populations are urged to take precautions, while essential services face challenges, causing widespread inconveniences. The National Meteorological Service’s red alert signifies the severity of this weather phenomenon, underscoring the potential health risks involved.
Original Source: global.chinadaily.com.cn
