South America: High temperatures forecast to persist in eastern and northern Bolivia, western Brazil, and across Paraguay through at least Sept. 13

Forecast models indicate that high temperatures will persist over parts of eastern and northern Bolivia, western Brazil, and across Paraguay through at least Sept. 13. Maximum temperatures of up to 42 C (108 F) are possible across parts of the region over the coming days.

As of Sept. 9, Bolvia's National Service of Meteorology and Hydrology (SENAMHI) has issued orange high-temperature warnings (the middle level on a three-tier scale) across most of Beni, Pando, and Santa Cruz and parts of eastern Chuquisaca, northern la Paz, and central and eastern Tarija departments through Sept. 13. Temperatures of 36-41 C (99-106 F) are expected in affected areas.

Brazil's National Institute of Meteorology (INMET) has issued an orange heatwave warning (the highest level on a three-tier scale) across much of Mato Grosso do Sul, Parana, Rondonia, Santa Catarina, and Sao Paulo and parts of southern and western Mato Grosso and northern Rio Grande do Sul states through Sept. 12. Temperatures of more than 5 C (9 F) above average for the time of year are expected in affected areas.

Paraguay's Directorate of Meteorology and Hydrology has warned of maximum temperatures of between 34-42 C (93-108 F) across much of the country over the coming days, with the highest temperatures likely across the Western/Chaco region and northern parts of the Eastern region.

Officials could upgrade or expand the alerts as the heatwave develops over the coming days.

The high temperatures may result in increased energy and water demand and a heightened risk of heat-related illnesses, such as heat exhaustion and heat stroke.

The extended period of oppressive heat and dry conditions may produce ideal circumstances for further wildfire growth throughout the affected areas. Heatwaves also pose a threat to 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 being hospitalized for dehydration.

Very high temperatures may warp rail tracks and force passenger and freight trains to operate at reduced speeds. Road surface damage is also possible, 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.