Extreme Weather: South America Endures Record Heat as North…

South America is enduring record high temperatures, particularly in Brazil and Argentina, while experiencing very little rainfall. In contrast, North America faces extreme cold conditions. Authorities are responding with safety measures as South Sudan battles similar heatwave challenges, prompting school closures to protect students.

Recently, South America has been experiencing extreme weather conditions, with record high temperatures measured across the continent. In Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, temperatures reached a staggering 44 degrees Celsius, far exceeding the typical February average by 14 degrees, marking the highest temperature recorded in over ten years. Concurrently, Rio is undergoing one of its driest Februarys on record, with minimal rainfall anticipated.

In response to the severe heat, officials implemented a level 4 heat protocol, establishing hydration stations and designating air-conditioned facilities as “cooling points” to protect the public. Although temperatures have begun to normalize in Brazil, attention has shifted to northwestern Argentina, where temperatures are predicted to rise into the upper 30s and low 40s Celsius, significantly above seasonal averages. These high temperatures are expected to instigate thunderstorms, potentially causing heavy rainfall in some areas.

The extreme heat in South America is primarily attributed to a high-pressure system located over the southern Atlantic Ocean, which facilitates the sinking and warming of air masses. Meanwhile, temperatures in Canada’s Saskatchewan province plummeted to -40 degrees Celsius, with North Dakota in the United States experiencing lows of -37.8 degrees Celsius, resulting in an extraordinary temperature contrast of over 80 degrees Fahrenheit between the two continents.

Additionally, central and eastern Africa are grappling with severe heat conditions, particularly in South Sudan and several regions of Chad, Central African Republic, and Sudan. The ongoing heatwave has resulted in temperatures in the low 40s Celsius, leading schools in South Sudan to close for two weeks to protect students from the extreme heat. Forecasts indicate that these heatwave conditions may persist into March.

In summary, South America is experiencing unprecedented high temperatures, particularly in Brazil and Argentina, while contrasting weather conditions are present in North America and parts of Africa. Authorities in affected regions are implementing safety measures, including hydration stations and school closures, to mitigate the impact on public health. The current weather patterns highlight the severe climatic challenges facing various regions globally.

Original Source: www.theguardian.com