Scorching heat wave across South America
by Daria Blackwell 18 Oct 2023 06:55 UTC
October temperature anomalies © Tropicaltidbits.com
While Earth had the hottest August and September on record, heatwaves were recorded in both the Northern and Southern hemispheres, with record temperatures across multiple countries.
An intense heatwave is scorching South America at the beginning of the spring season as temperatures in several countries break September and October records. Countries like Brazil, Peru, Bolivia, Paraguay, and Argentina have all recorded their highest September temperatures after months of unusually warm winter this year
Temperatures were reported to be reaching up to 43C in Paraguay, 41C in Brazil, Bolivia and Argentina this week. Western Paraguay's Filadelfia city saw 44.4C (112F). Scientists expect up to 45C in Paraguay, Bolivia, and Argentina, 43C in Brazil, 40C in Peru, and many records broken over the next few days.
A new World Weather Attribution study concluded that climate change made the prolonged extreme off-season heat in South America more likely. The extreme late winter and early spring heat in South America would have been virtually impossible in a world without human-caused climate change. The WWA study found that climate change made the prolonged heat at least 100 times more likely and 1.4-4.3ºC hotter.
The authors were not able to identify any heat action plans in the affected area, this leaves the potential to mitigate heat impacts on vulnerable people. Heat Action Plans that include early warning and early action, awareness-raising and behaviour-changing messaging, and supportive public services can reduce morbidity and mortality.
Wildfires broke out along the outskirts of densely populated regions of Argentina. Although they have mostly been brought under control, the region remains at high risk of wildfires as the temperatures continue to soar and drought conditions persist. Wildfires were also reported across Bolivia, in Paraguay, and throughout Brazil, including in Bahia, Pantanal, and the Amazon.
Cruisers planning to visit these regions should be prepared to deal with weather extremes in previously temperate climates.
This article has been provided by the courtesy of the Ocean Cruising Club.