Chile is sweltering through a historic heatwave, with six regions under extreme temperature alerts and Santiago hitting its third-highest January temperature in over a century. Thermometers in the capital soared to 37.3°C (99.1°F) this week – a level not seen since 1912! 🥵
‘Like Walking in an Oven’
Residents report unprecedented conditions. \"It’s brutally hot – way worse than before,\" says Santiago local Carlos Fredes, echoing frustrations across the country. Meteorological experts warn the heat could linger for 5+ days, challenging Chile’s usual climate patterns.
Cool Solutions for Scorching Streets
Cities are fighting back with pop-up sunshades at bus stops and public hydration stations. \"These shades are lifesavers,\" says transit worker Edith Calderon. \"The water fountains let us cool off instantly.\" 💦
Health Experts Sound Alarm
Dr. Christian Garcia from Chile’s Health Ministry urges: \"Avoid direct sun from 11 AM–5 PM, hydrate constantly, and seek shade.\" With climate scientists linking such events to global trends, this heatwave serves as a fiery wake-up call. 🌍⚠️
