Chile: High temperatures forecast to persist over central regions through at least Feb. 15 /update 1

High temperatures are likely to persist across much of central Chile through at least Feb. 15. As of Feb. 13, the Chilean Meteorological Directorate has issued orange high-temperature warnings for interior parts of Biobio, La Araucania, Maule, and Nuble regions and coastal parts of Los Rios Region Feb. 13. Yellow high-temperature warnings are in place for much of Coquimbo, Biobio, La Araucania, northern Los Lagos, Los Rios, Maule, Metropolitan. Nuble, O'Higgins, and Valparaiso regions through Feb. 15. The National Disaster Prevention and Response Service (SANEPARED) has also issued a yellow alert due to intense heat across Biobio, La Araucania, and Nuble regions. Several forest fires are ongoing in the affected regions amid the high temperatures; as of early Feb. 13, SENAPRED has issued red alerts for ongoing fires that are threatening homes in San Pedro Commune in Metropolitan Region and Cholchol, Curarrehue, and Perquenco communes in La Araucania Region. A yellow alert has been issued for a fire in Purranque Commune in Los Rios Region, a yellow alert for forest fire risk has been issued for Biobio Region, and a green alert for the threat of forest fires in La Araucania Region. 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 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.