Chile: High temperatures forecast to continue across central and northern regions through at least Feb. 3 /update 1

High temperatures will likely persist across much of central and northern through at least Feb. 3. As of early Jan. 31, the Meteorological Directorate of Chile has issued orange high-temperature warnings (the middle level on a three-tier scale) for parts of northern Biobio, Coquimbo, La Araucania, Maule, Metropolitan, Nuble, O'Higgins, and Valparaiso regions through Feb. 1. Yellow high-temperature warnings have been issued for parts of Biobio, Maule, Metropolitan, Nuble, O'Higgins, and Valparaiso regions through Feb. 3 and parts of Antofagasta, Atacama, and Tarapaca regions through Feb. 1.

As of early Jan. 31, the National Disaster Prevention and Response Service (SENAPRED) has issued red alerts (the highest level on a three-tier scale) for extreme heat across Maule, Metropolitan, Nuble, and O'Higgins and parts of Valparaiso regions. Yellow heat alerts have been issued for Coquimbo and La Araucania regions. The high temperatures also increase the risk of forest fires breaking out across the affected areas; emergency crews are responding to several ongoing fires across the region as of Jan. 31. SENAPRED has issued red wildfire alerts due to fires threatening homes in Florida Commune in Biobio Region, Puerto Montt and San Pablo communes in Los Lagos Region, and Galvarino and Lonquimay communes in La Araucania Region. A yellow wildfire alert has been issued for a wildfire in Quillon Commune in Nuble Region and green preventative early warning alerts for wildfires are in place across La Araucania, Metropolitan, and O'Higgins regions and parts of Coquimbo and Valparaiso regions. 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.