Lima breaks historical heat record in July: Senamhi warns of temperatures up to 10.1°C above normal

Lima, Peru, has shattered its historical temperature record for July, experiencing an unprecedented heatwave driven by the 'El Niño Costero' phenomenon. The Peruvian National Meteorology and Hydrology Service (Senamhi) reported that the anomalous warming of the sea exceptionally elevated daytime temperatures in the capital.

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The anomalous warming of the sea exceptionally elevated daytime temperatures in the capital, where some sectors registered values of up to 10.1°C above the climatological average for this month.

On July 25, the Alexander Von Humboldt station in La Molina registered a maximum temperature of 29.4°C, a staggering 10.1°C above the climatological average for this time of year. This new record surpassed the previous high of 28.5°C, set just 13 days earlier on July 13, underscoring the persistent and intense nature of the warm episode.

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The station Alexander Von Humboldt, located in La Molina, reported on July 25 a maximum temperature of 29.4°C, a figure that exceeded the usual value for this time of year by 10.1°C and established a new historical record for July.

Senamhi attributes this extreme heat to a confluence of atmospheric and oceanic factors. These include the anomalous sea warming, the passage of a warm oceanic Kelvin wave, a weakening of the South Pacific Anticyclone, and prevailing northerly winds. These conditions have fostered a sustained increase in maximum temperatures along the central coast, with other areas of Lima Metropolitana also experiencing significant anomalies.

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The Senamhi attributed this scenario to the combination of several atmospheric and oceanic factors.

While the heatwave has been prolonged, with some stations recording consecutive warm days, Senamhi forecasts morning fog and mist for Lima and Callao between July 27 and 29. This will increase the perception of cold and reduce visibility locally but is not expected to end the overall warm spell. Daytime temperatures during Fiestas Patrias are projected to range between 26°C and 28°C, with high ultraviolet radiation levels due to scarce cloud cover.

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The central coast maintains a prolonged daytime heatwave.