Record Heat in South America Amid Polar Cold in North America

South America faces unprecedented heat; Rio de Janeiro hit 44°C, prompting health measures. The heat has shifted to Argentina, while contrastingly, North America endures severe cold, showcasing an 80°C temperature difference. Severe heat waves are also affecting parts of Africa, particularly South Sudan, impacting education.

Last week, South America experienced extreme weather conditions with record high temperatures amid North America’s cold spells. In Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, the Guaratiba weather station recorded a staggering 44°C, which is 14°C above average and the highest in over ten years. This February has also been one of Rio’s driest, prompting authorities to activate a level 4 heat protocol, setting up hydration stations and cooling points in public areas.

Despite temperatures in Brazil cooling slightly, the heat has shifted south to Argentina, where expectations of upper 30s to low 40s Celsius are forecasted, significantly above average. These high temperatures are predicted to trigger thunderstorms, potentially leading to heavy rain in some areas. The intense heat is largely attributed to a high-pressure system over the southern Atlantic facilitating the warming air movement.

In stark contrast to South America, temperatures in Canada’s Saskatchewan province fell to -40°C, while North Dakota in the US recorded -37.8°C. This dramatic temperature disparity illustrates a variation exceeding 80°C between the two continents on the same day. The situation underscores the polar extremes of current weather conditions across the Americas.

Additionally, central and eastern Africa are facing severe heat waves affecting regions such as South Sudan and parts of Chad, Central African Republic, and Sudan, with temperatures reaching the low 40s Celsius. Schools in South Sudan have been closed for two weeks to protect students from collapsing due to the extreme heat, with forecasts suggesting the heat wave may persist into March.

This article highlights the contrasting weather extremes, showcasing record heat in South America and severe cold in North America. The heat in South America is not just a local event but is affecting broader regions, prompting measures to protect public health. Meanwhile, the intense heat in Africa is leading to significant disruptions in education, indicating the widespread impact of climate conditions.

Original Source: www.theguardian.com