Peru's coastal capital Lima endures record 72-night heat wave amid El Niño Costero

Lima and Callao have experienced 72 consecutive nights of extreme heat, the longest such streak on record, with nighttime temperatures of 20‑21.6 °C—about 5‑6 °C above the winter norm. The anomaly, linked to the coastal El Niño phenomenon, equals a previous record set in 1997.

Senamhi warns the heat will persist through the coming weeks and could continue until early autumn 2027. Coastal areas such as Tumbes, Piura and Lambayeque have recorded daytime highs up to 34 °C and UV index levels above 9. Authorities recommend sunscreen, protective clothing and avoidance of prolonged sun exposure, noting that warmer seas may also trigger earlier rains and heightened flood risk.