The Instituto de Hidrología, Meteorología y Estudios Ambientales (Ideam) said unusually high temperatures and increased fire risks are expected across Colombia this month.

These weather patterns pose a significant threat to biodiversity and human settlements, particularly in areas where dry conditions accelerate the spread of wildfires. The risk is most acute in the Caribbean region, where temperature spikes have deviated from historical averages.

According to the Ideam, the abnormal increase in temperatures was observed during the first week of May 2026 [1]. The agency said these conditions have created a volatile environment for forest fires, as the lack of moisture makes vegetation more combustible.

Local authorities have responded to the threat by escalating emergency protocols. Specifically, 24 municipalities have been placed under red alert due to the high risk of fires [2]. This designation indicates a critical level of danger requiring immediate readiness from emergency services and fire brigades.

While the heat is affecting multiple regions, the Caribbean coast remains the primary area of concern [1]. The Ideam continues to monitor atmospheric conditions to determine if these temperatures will persist through the remainder of the month.

Government officials have urged residents in the affected municipalities to avoid activities that could spark fires, such as burning agricultural waste or leaving campfires unattended. The agency said the current temperature levels are significantly higher than the historical norm for this period [1].

“24 municipalities have been placed under red alert due to the high risk of fires.”

The declaration of red alerts in 24 municipalities suggests a coordinated emergency response to prevent large-scale environmental disasters. When temperatures deviate significantly from historical averages in the Caribbean region, it often indicates broader climatic shifts or specific meteorological anomalies that can overwhelm local firefighting resources.