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Extreme heatwaves and Meganiño risks in Peru

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2026-10-24 02:46 UTC → 2026-10-24 13:55 UTC · added ~~removed~~

The National Service of Meteorology and Hydrology (Senamhi) has issued several red alerts for extreme heat across Peru, linked to the El Niño Costero phenomenon. Between October 4 and 6, a red alert targeted eight regions—Amazonas, Cajamarca, Huánuco, Loreto, Madre de Dios, Pasco, San Martín, and Ucayali—with temperatures reaching up to 38°C. This period also saw warnings for increased ultraviolet radiation and wind gusts of approximately 55 km/h. From October 6 10 through October 13, alerts expanded to include 20 regions, including ~~Lima, Callao, and various coastal~~ Lima and ~~highland areas.~~ Callao, with temperatures on the northern coast expected to reach 36°C. In early October 2026, Senamhi issued a red alert for 21 regions, including Áncash, Arequipa, Ica, Junín, La Libertad, Lambayeque, Piura, Puno, Tacna, and Tumbes, forecasting temperatures up to 35°C on the northern coast and wind gusts of 40 km/h. By late October 2026, a new red alert was declared for eleven regions, including Cusco and Junín, as daytime temperatures were expected to approach 40°C between October 24 and October 26. This heatwave is accompanied by extreme solar radiation and wind gusts up to 55 km/h in the Amazon. Simultaneously, Senamhi warned of heavy rainfall, hail, and electrical discharges affecting the northern coast and highlands, specifically Piura, Tumbes, Lambayeque, and La Libertad. Minister of Agrarian Development and Irrigation Marco Vinelli has confirmed the country faces a ‘Meganiño’ event. President Keiko Fujimori has warned of a dramatic Meganiño, prompting the government to implement mitigation measures such as cleaning riverbeds and preparing field hospitals. While the north faces heavy rains, the southern sierra may experience water deficits affecting agriculture. As of late October 2026, the situation in Peru has escalated with the Peruvian army being mobilized in Piura to evacuate urban sectors affected by flooding. ~~These weather extremes coincide with broader climatic disruptions across South America caused by the El Niño phenomenon.~~

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