Nine Ecuador Provinces Face High Temperatures and Elevated Fire Risk Through Sept. 4

Ecuador’s meteorological institute has warned that nine provinces will face high temperatures and conditions that could help forest fires spread between Sept. 1 and 4. The warning, issued by the National Institute of Meteorology and Hydrology on Aug. 31, runs from 10 a.m. Tuesday to 5 p.m. Friday.

The affected areas include Guayas, Los Ríos and El Oro on the Coast; Imbabura, Pichincha and Loja in the Andes; and eastern parts of Sucumbíos, Orellana and Pastaza in the Amazon region. The stated threat level ranges from medium to very high.

Daytime temperatures could reach 30 to 35 degrees Celsius in the Coast and Amazon, while Andean areas could exceed 27 degrees in the highest-risk category. The institute said high temperatures, reduced humidity and wind gusts could aid fire propagation, especially where vegetation is dry. Several parts of the Sierra could also record very high to extremely high ultraviolet radiation.

Authorities attributed the warmer-than-normal conditions partly to persistently high sea-surface temperatures off Ecuador’s coast and reduced moisture in parts of the troposphere. They advised people to limit outdoor activity, avoid direct sun, drink water and keep rooms cool and ventilated. Residents were also urged not to create sparks or fires in rural areas and not to discard cigarette butts or matches.