Chile: High temperatures forecast over central and northern regions through at least Jan. 25

High temperatures are likely to persist across much of central and interior parts of northern Chile through at least Jan. 25. Temperatures of up to 38 C (100 F) are possible in parts of Biobio Region over the coming days. The National Disaster Prevention and Response Service (SENAPRED) has issued a red warning (the highest level on a three-tier scale) due to extreme heat for Biobio Region, as well as yellow warnings for Maule and Nuble regions. The high temperatures are also increasing the risk of forest fires breaking out across the affected areas. SENAPRED has issued red alerts for a fire threatening homes in Chonchi Commune in Los Lagos Region and for three fires in Lonquimay commune in La Araucania Region. Green early warnings for forest fire threats have been issued for La Araucania, Los Lagos, O'Higgins, and much of Valparaiso regions. Detours are ongoing on Route 5 in La Araucania Region due to fires in Ercilla commune and caution is also being advised further north along Route 5 in Maule Region due to fires in close proximity to the road.

As of early Jan. 23, the Chilean Meteorological Directorate has issued the following high-temperature warnings:

• Orange high-temperature warnings (the middle level on a three-tier scale): Interior parts of Bibobio, Maul, Metropolitan, Nuble, and O'Higgins regions Jan. 24-25.

• Yellow high-temperature warnings: Across interior parts of Bibobio, La Araucania, northern Los Lagos, Los Rios, Maul, Metropolitan, Nuble, O'Higgins, and Valparaiso regions Jan. 22-25 and parts of the lower elevated interiors of Atacama, Antofagasta, and Tarapaca regions Jan. 21-23.

Officials could upgrade or expand the alerts over the coming days as conditions change.

The extended period of oppressive heat and dry conditions may produce ideal circumstances for further wildfire growth throughout the region. Heatwaves also threaten vulnerable groups - such as the elderly, children, pregnant women, and those with respiratory illnesses - due to the increased possibility of heat stroke or heat exhaustion during prolonged exposure to high temperatures. These health risks could also extend to relatively healthy individuals during significant heatwave events. In addition to significantly impacting athletes and those who work outdoors, high temperatures can cause problems for people using mass transit. The lack of air conditioning and cramped vehicles during rush hour may lead to some passengers' hospitalization.

Very high temperatures may damage road surfaces, and overheated vehicles may worsen traffic problems in urban areas where congestion is already a problem. Commercial trucking disruptions might occur, as very high temperatures put more stress on vehicles, making tire blowouts more common. Major flight disruptions are unlikely at regional airports, but general aviation disruptions are possible, and some airfreight carriers could reduce cargo loads. High temperatures could lead to an increased demand for electricity, which might trigger localized brownouts or blackouts, exacerbating hazardous conditions when air conditioning is no longer possible.