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Mid-winter temperatures above 35 degrees Celsius in South America leave climatologists in disbelief

Published

3 years ago

August 4, 2023

Climate scientists have been left “flabbergasted” as temperatures in parts of South America near 40 degrees Celsius in the middle of what is supposed to be its winter.

Data from Chile’s national meteorological agency, Dirección Meteorológica de Chile, shows several weather stations in the country reached temperatures above 35C on 1 August.

This is between 10C and 20C above what is normal for this time of year in parts of Chile and Argentina, according to data from the European Centre for Medium Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF).

In the Coquimbo region, the mountain town of Vicuna reached a top of 37C, the Liceo Samuel Román Rojas weather station peaked at 35.4C and Monte Patricia reached 31.5C.

Climatologist and weather historian Maximiliano Herrera went so far as to call it one of the most “extreme weather events the world has ever seen”.

“For its duration, area, and intensity, it’s probably the worst winter heatwave in the Southern Hemisphere,” he said.

He said temperatures in South America earlier this week had even rivalled the prolonged heat experienced in Europe during July, despite being the middle of winter.

“South America is living one of the most extreme events the world has ever seen, unbelievable temperatures up to 38.9C in the Chilean Andine areas in mid-winter,” Herrera wrote on social media.

“[This is] much more than what southern Europe just had in mid-summer at the same elevation.”

Many parts of Argentina also reached temperatures of 30C to 35C, and Brazil saw widespread temperatures above 35C and 38C on both Tuesday and Wednesday, according to data from their respective meteorological agencies.

Buenos Aires set a daily record for the start of August with its high of 30.1C – more than 5 degrees above the previous daily record, and 12C warmer than its August average, according to a spokesperson for Argentina’s National Meteorological Service.

‘Flabbergasted’ by temperatures
University of New South Wales climate scientist Dr Sarah Perkins-Kirkpatrick said that, even as a climate scientist who specialised in heat extremes, the temperature observations were hard to believe.

“I’m flabbergasted by these temperatures,” Perkins-Kirkpatrick said.

She said if those temperatures were to occur in New South Wales, which sits at a similar latitude, it would be “extraordinary”.

“It’s reported that Buenos Aires has had the hottest start to August on record and has shattered its previous record by over 5 degrees. That margin is phenomenal,” Perkins-Kirkpatrick said.

“This is happening during the austral winter. To put it into context, it’s like Sydney experiencing a 30-degree day this time of year – something that is beyond extraordinary.”

Several other climate scientists have also expressed their disbelief at the temperatures, including Andrew Watkins, a climatologist from Australia’s Bureau of Meteorology, who wrote on social media that the figures were “mind-boggling”.

Pascal Boureau, a former forecaster at Météo-France, wrote that it was “unheard of”.

Extreme heat in Northern Hemisphere
Much of the focus of heat in recent weeks has been on the Northern Hemisphere, which is sweltering through prolonged and intense heatwaves that have fuelled wildfires across three continents and shattered temperature records.

Parts of Italy reached temperatures up to 48C in late July, and China more than 50C.

On 6 July, Algeria recorded its all-time hottest minimum temperature of 39.6C, as well as several maximum temperature records.

The unrelenting heat helped secure July 2023 as Earth’s hottest month on record by global average temperature, according to the World Meteorological Organization.

New analysis by not-for-profit research group Climate Central found the exceptional heat of July would have been unlikely if not for climate change.

It found that the July temperatures in 200 countries were made at least three times more likely with climate change.

This impacted more than 6.5 billion people, or 81 percent of the global population, according to the analysis.

What’s causing South America’s heat?
Perkins-Kirkpatrick said the South American heat extremes were also likely to bear the fingerprints of climate change.

There are likely multiple causes to these temperatures – record warm sea surface temperatures in the Atlantic, the developing El Niño in the Pacific, a heat dome that was recently over the region combined with foehn winds, and anthropogenic climate change,” she said.

“Indeed, climate change is probably giving the event a double-whammy, through heating the atmosphere and the ocean.”

Foehn winds are warm and dry, gusty winds that periodically descend down the slopes of mountains and ranges.

Perkins-Kirkpatrick said the temperatures were “equally” as concerning as the heat extremes being experienced in the Northern Hemisphere.

“While they are not as hot in absolute terms as the Northern Hemisphere, they are totally off the charts so early in August. It’s bonkers,” she said.

In a social media post, MetSul Meteorologica noted Buenos Aires had experienced temperatures of up to 34C in August before, due to “low-level jets with very warm air”, which occasionally brought summer-like temperatures.

Data from Chile’s national meteorological service shows the temperatures above 30C have now eased across Chile, with Argentina reporting an easing of conditions across southern parts of the country too, including the capital, Buenos Aires.

But for central and north Argentina and Brazil, the warmer temperatures are likely to persist for several more days, according to medium-range forecasts from ECMWF.

– This story was first published by the ABC

VIA RNZ

Latest News

Police say person who fired gun at officers still at large

Published

3 days ago

November 12, 2026

News Staff

Police say a person who fired a gun at officers in Napier is still at large.

Eastern District Commander Superintendent Joel Lamb said Police tried to stop a vehicle in the Pirimai Area at about 10pm on Tuesday.

He said someone in the back seat pointed what was presumed to be a firearm at officers pursuing the vehicle.

“Staff have then heard two distinct gunshots as the firearm was discharged.

“Fortunately, neither of our officers were injured, and the patrol vehicle did not sustain any damage.”

He said hours later, the vehicle was seen travelling north on the Waikato Expressway towards Auckland.

Police seized the vehicle at an address in Manurewa, but they had not found the alleged offender.

Lamb said people who lived at the Manurewa address were engaging with Police.

He said Eastern District and Counties Manukau Police were making enquiries.

“Presenting a firearm at a Police officer is a serious escalation that puts our staff and the wider community at risk. This behaviour is entirely unacceptable.

“We are taking this incident extremely seriously and will be pursuing all lines of enquiry to locate the offender and hold them accountable.”

Police asked anyone who witnessed the incident to contact Police on 105 or online using the reference number 261111/3764.

Information could also be provided anonymously via Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.

rnz

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New Zealand sides named for RLWC finals

Published

4 days ago

November 11, 2026

News Staff

The players tasked with ending Australia’s Rugby League World Cup dominance have been named.

The Kiwis and Kiwi Ferns have announced their squads for this Sunday’s World Cup finals in Brisbane.

Both sides are chasing their first titles since 2008, and both are looking to end their opponents run of three crowns in a row.

“Our Kiwi Ferns have been so dominant in years gone by, and we want to bring dominance back to this jersey, so I think it will be a case of who wants it more,” said co-captain Georgia Hale of the impending clash.

The Kiwis get a major boost for the final as they welcome back Ronaldo Mulitalo after he served a one-match ban for a high tackle against Fiji Bati.

Mulitalo replaces Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad, who moves to the six-man bench, which again includes utility Te Maire Martin, middle forwards Naufahu Whyte, Erin Clark and Xavier Willison plus fullback Keano Kini.

Loose forward Joseph Tapine will make his 30th Test appearance in a familiar pack again, including second-rowers Isaiah Papali’i and Briton Nikora, and props James Fisher-Harris and Moses Leota.

Winger Jamayne Isaako is on the cusp of claiming the New Zealand record for most Test points.

His five goals against Tonga lifted his career points tally to 225 – level with Shaun Johnson – while centre Casey McLean goes into the final with 16 tries in just eight Tests.

Fisher-Harris will again captain the team.

Fullback Ponga said the goal of the group was clear.

“We have high expectations around what we want to achieve, and obviously winning a world Cup is one of them.”

Meanwhile, Ricky Henry has selected a settled side to take on the Jillaroos, led by their lethal centre combination of Stacey Waaka and Mele Hufanga.

Veteran Apii Nicholls takes the number one jersey, Leianne Tufuga and Mackenzie Wiki on the wings.

Henry has stuck with his halves pairing of Chantay Kiria-Ratu and Raecene McGregor with Alexis Tauaneai, Georgia Hale and Otesa Pule up front.

Rounding out the starting pack is Shaniece Monschau, Kaiyah Atai, and Angelina Teakaraanga-Katoa.

“We have been building well throughout the tournament; we understand the Jillaroos side, and will give it our all to make New Zealand proud this weekend,” said Henry.

RLWC Finals:

Kiwi Ferns vs Jillaroos- 6.10pm

Kiwis vs Kangaroos – 9.35pm

Sunday November 15

Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane

Live blog updates on RNZ

Kiwi Ferns:

1. Apii Nicholls 2. Leianne Tufuga 3. Mele Hufanga 4. Stacey Waaka 5. Mackenzie Wiki 6. Chantay Kiria-Ratu 7. Raecene McGregor 8. Alexis Tauaneai 9. Georgia Hale 10. Otesa Pule 11. Shaniece Monschau 12. Kaiyah Atai 13. Angelina Teakaraanga-Katoa.

Interchange: 14. Ashleigh Quinlan 15. Annessa Biddle 16. Shannon Mato 17. Ivana Lauitiiti.

Reserves: 18. Brooke Anderson 19. Zahara Temara 20. Brianna Clark 21. Abigail Roache 22. Tenika Willison.

Kiwis:

1. Kalyn Ponga, 2. Jamayne Isaako, 3. Dane Gagai, 4. Casey McLean, 5. Ronaldo Mulitalo, 6. Kodi Nikorima, 7. Jahrome Hughes, 8. James Fisher-Harris (c), 9. Jeremy Marshall-King, 10. Moses Leota, 11. Isaiah Papali’i, 12. Briton Nikora, 13. Joseph Tapine (v/c).

Interchange: 14. Te Maire Martin, 15. Naufahu Whyte, 16. Erin Clark, 17. Xavier Willison.

Reserves: 18. Keano Kini, 19. Phoenix Crossland, 20. Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad, 21. Scott Sorensen, 22. Leo Thompson.

rnz

Latest News

Parliamentary Service working on extra chairs and offices for increased number of MPs

Published

4 days ago

November 11, 2026

News Staff

The chief executive of the Parliamentary Service is confident there will be enough room to accommodate the increased number of MPs and their staff coming into Parliament.

On current numbers, up to 131 MPs could be sitting in the Chamber following the election, brought on by a record overhang result.

Clerk of the House of Representatives Dr David Wilson told the Spinoff that currently the debating chamber had enough chairs to seat 124 MPs – including the Speaker of the House – and work was being done to accommodate more by altering the seating arrangement.

In a statement, Parliamentary Service chief executive Rafael Gonzalez-Montero said planning for a larger Parliament had been going for “some time”.

“Now that the election results have confirmed an increase to the number of members we are looking at several options.

“We are confident we will be able to accommodate all members within the Chamber.”

Chief Executive of the Parliamentary Service Rafael Gonzalez-Montero appears before select committee. — Parliamentary Service chief executive Rafael Gonzalez-Montero.

VNP / Phil Smith

Gonzalez-Montero said office accommodation for members and their staff would be “stretched” for a short time, but the new Members’ Building was only a few months away from “practical completion”.

That building – located behind Parliament – was due to be ready to occupy in April next year and had capacity to accommodate around 30 backbench MPs.

“All members should be in fit-for-purpose accommodation from that point,” Gonzalez-Montero said.

Following the 2023 election, 123 MPs sat in the Chamber – a record number at the time. That decreased to 122 following the resignation of National MP Judith Collins.

Collins held the seat of Papakura and stepped down in May and Parliament voted against holding a by-election because it was too close to the election.

The election result also meant high-ranking National Party MPs like Chris Bishop, Paul Goldsmith, Nicola Willis and Gerry Brownlee – Speaker of the House and an MP for 30 years – would likely not make it back into Parliament.

Only resigning or retiring MPs were permitted to give a valedictory speech meaning none of them would get the chance to give a valedictory statement.

Asked if their would be special allowances for valedictories, Wilson said in a statement that normally only MPs were allowed to speak in the House but the House could suspend its own rules or temporarily alter them.

“It could do so to allow former members to address the House.”

Wilson said no such arrangements could be made until the next Parliament opened and members sworn in.

rnz