Colombia's Instituto de Hidrología, Meteorología y Estudios Ambientales (Ideam) said that temperatures in several regions could exceed 37 °C [1].
These extreme temperatures pose significant public health risks to millions of residents in the Caribbean and Andean zones. The surge in heat increases the likelihood of heat-related illnesses and puts pressure on local infrastructure and water resources.
The heatwave is primarily linked to the ongoing El Niño phenomenon, which has increased regional temperatures across the country [2, 3]. Ideam said the impact is most severe in cities such as Valledupar, Cartagena, and Cali [1, 4].
In Cali, located in the Valle del Cauca region, the situation has reached critical levels. The agency recorded a heat index of 43 °C in the city [1]. This measurement represents the "feels-like" temperature, combining actual air temperature with humidity, which significantly elevates the risk of heatstroke.
Public health warnings have been issued to encourage residents to stay hydrated and avoid prolonged sun exposure. The phenomenon is affecting both the Caribbean coast and the Andean highlands, creating a widespread weather emergency across diverse geographies.
Ideam said it continues to monitor the atmospheric conditions as the probability of El Niño's influence remains high [3]. The agency is coordinating with regional authorities to manage the impact on agriculture and urban centers.
“Temperatures in several regions could exceed 37 °C”
The convergence of the El Niño phenomenon and regional geography is creating a dangerous thermal environment in Colombia. When the heat index reaches 43 °C, the human body struggles to cool itself through perspiration, making urban centers like Cali vulnerable to mass heat exhaustion. This trend highlights the increasing volatility of South American weather patterns and the necessity for cities to implement heat-mitigation urban planning.
