Large swathes of central and northern Argentina are facing another day of intense heat on Tuesday, with maximum temperatures forecast to reach 41°C in some cases. 

The National Meteorological Service (SMN) has a red alert in place for Mendoza province, north and central Neuquén, northwestern Río Negro, southern San Juan, northern and western San Luis, and the south of Buenos Aires province, with maximum temperatures around 37°C.

In the cities of Mendoza, San Luis and Bahía Blanca, a high of 39°C is expected this afternoon.

A red alert means temperatures are “very dangerous and can affect everyone, even healthy individuals,” according to the SMN. People in the area are advised to drink more water and avoid excessive exposure to the sun, especially during peak hours (between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.).

Several districts in southern Neuquén and western and central Río Negro were under orange alert on Tuesday, indicating that temperatures can be dangerous, especially for at-risk groups.

Additionally, yellow alerts are in place for Buenos Aires City, most of Buenos Aires province, and the provinces of Córdoba, Tucumán, Santa Fe, Entre Ríos, Catamarca, and La Rioja.

The yellow alert also affects much of Formosa, Santiago del Estero, La Pampa, San Luis, and San Juan, northern Misiones, western Corrientes, northwestern Chaco, northeastern Salta, and southeastern Jujuy.

In the Formosa city of Las Lomitas, a high of 41°C is expected, while the city of Santiago del Estero is forecast to reach 40°C.

The yellow alert means temperatures will have a mild to moderate impact on health but can be dangerous, especially for at-risk groups such as children, people over 65, and those with chronic illnesses.

-Télam