Heat index could reach 46°C in Peru’s Loreto region, Senamhi warns

The heat index in parts of Peru’s Loreto region could reach 46°C as temperatures rise and rainfall remains absent, the National Meteorology and Hydrology Service, Senamhi, warned.

Iquitos is expected to reach 36°C in the shade, with an outdoor heat index of up to 43°C. Conditions could become more severe in Ucayali province, where temperatures under shade may reach 38°C and the heat index in sun-exposed areas could approach 46°C.

The dry conditions are also reducing water levels in Amazonian rivers across Requena, Ucayali, Mariscal Ramón Castilla and Maynas provinces. The Nanay River has fallen to 123.21 metres above sea level and is expected to enter orange hydrological alert in the second half of September.

The Huallaga River faces the most serious situation, dropping 42 centimetres per day. Senamhi said the river could reach red alert in the coming days, bringing severe restrictions to river traffic on the main supply and passenger route between Yurimaguas and Iquitos.

The agency advised residents to use sunscreen and avoid direct sunlight during peak radiation hours. It also urged river transport operators to exercise caution as sandbanks form along the waterways.