Chilean heat wave breaks record temperature set a century ago

A heat wave brought blistering temperatures to the streets of Chile’s capital city, Santiago, on Wednesday and broke a century-old record as thermometers reached 37.3 Celsius (99 degrees Fahrenheit).
Chile’s meteorological service called the event extreme, while the health ministry advised residents to wear light clothing, drink water and avoid outdoor activities.

“The only thing to do is quickly go [into the shade], wet yourself down, and drink lots of water. You can’t do much else,” said Luis Duran, a middle-aged kiosk owner in the city’s historic center.

The nation’s forestry service, which is currently battling scores of forest fires in central Chile, warned of “extreme risk” of dry vegetation going up in flames, creating a potential headache for Chile’s timber industry.

[tvtsonline.com.au/Reuters]

15/12/16

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