Peru braces for extreme heat as El Niño conditions intensify

South America's coastal waters are experiencing significant warming, intensifying both the El Niño Costero and global El Niño phenomena. This persistent oceanic heat is poised to bring weeks of unusually high temperatures to Peru, with experts warning the event could reach extraordinary levels. Meteorologist Abraham Levy highlighted that sea surface temperatures of 28°C to 30°C are advancing towards the eastern Pacific, driven by a strong Kelvin wave expected to reach Peru's coast in August.

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The maps of sea temperatures as of July 29 show that waters of 28°C, 29°C, and 30°C are advancing from the western Pacific towards South America, a behavior characteristic of the most intense El Niño episodes.

Levy pointed to sea temperature maps from late July showing subsurface thermal anomalies as high as +9°C, the most significant recorded since 1997. He explained that this pulse of warm water will prolong the anomalous heat along the coast. While the event's intensity is approaching "very strong" or "extraordinary" categories, Levy clarified that this classification depends on sustained warming over three consecutive quarters.

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This pulse of hot water will prolong the conditions of anomalous heat on the coast during the next few weeks.

In response to the escalating heat, Peru's National Meteorology and Hydrology Service (Senamhi) issued a red alert for extreme daytime temperatures from July 30 to August 1. The alert covers 21 departments, with forecasts of up to 36°C on the northern coast and 32°C in the northern highlands. Central and southern coastal areas are expected to experience temperatures between 24°C and 30°C, while the central and southern highlands could see up to 28°C and 29°C, respectively.

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The warning reaches 21 departments and warns of maximum temperatures of up to 36°C on the northern coast and 32°C on the northern highlands.

Senamhi also predicted high ultraviolet radiation due to minimal cloud cover and wind gusts of up to 45 kilometers per hour in the afternoons. The agency advised the public to avoid prolonged sun exposure between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., stay hydrated, and follow the guidance of risk management authorities. Meteorologist David Garay from Senamhi confirmed that the warming trend associated with El Niño is expected to continue in the coming months, particularly along the northern and central coast. The Enfen committee has raised the probability of the phenomenon evolving into an extraordinary intensity by late 2026 and early 2027.

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The warming associated with El Niño Costero and global El Niño will maintain the upward trend in temperatures during the coming months, especially on the north and central coast.