A heat wave in the Patagonia led El Calafate, the mythical area in Santa Cruz that houses the Perito Moreno Glacier, to record 30.4 °C.
This is the highest temperature of the century and the third since official measurements began in 1961.
As confirmed by the National Meteorological Service, the record occurred last Thursday. The mark surpassed the 30-degree barrier for the first time this century.
Moreover, since the start of systematic measurements, only two days have surpassed this record. The highest occurred on February 6, 1962, with 30.7 °C.
This was followed by an episode at the end of January 1975, when the thermometer reached 30.5 °C.
Thus, last Thursday, January 29, officially ranked in third place among the most hot records of the last 65 years due to the current heat wave in Patagonia.
Temperature records throughout Patagonia
The climatic phenomenon did not only affect El Calafate. The heat wave in Patagonia impacted much of the region with unusually high temperatures and historic values.
In particular, Río Gallegos led the extreme records. The capital of Santa Cruz reached 36.4 °C and set a new absolute record by surpassing the 35.8 °C of February 5, 2019.
Other cities in southern Argentina also experienced scorching days:
- Neuquén: 38.6 °C
- San Martín (Mendoza): 37.7 °C
- Chapelco: 36.5 °C
- El Bolsón, Bariloche, Trelew, Esquel, and Gobernador Gregores: far exceeded 30 degrees
The temperatures were well above the usual averages for this time of year, so the heat wave created exceptional conditions throughout Patagonia.
Intense heat persists in Patagonia
The National Meteorological Service explained that this heat wave is not characterized solely by thermal peaks. The persistence of the phenomenon is due to the sustained entry of warm air from the north.
The agency forecasts temporary drops in temperature in the coming days. However, it warned that the relief could be brief.
The intense heat wave could recur in Patagonia. The climatic pattern suggests that the region will continue to experience high temperatures in the short term.
Moreover, this heat wave adds to a series of extreme weather events that have been affecting Patagonia in recent years.
Historical records show a trend towards increasingly intense and frequent meteorological phenomena.
Extreme temperatures and heat waves are also direct aggravators of one of the major crises currently affecting Patagonia: uncontrolled fires.
In recent weeks, these have already devastated thousands of hectares in various provinces, with Chubut being the most affected. Currently, four national parks are at risk.
In this context, the heat wave in Patagonia and the prolonged drought worsen the fight against the fire and make it difficult to fully control the fires.
