Santa Cruz, Bolivia, braces for extreme heat with temperatures potentially exceeding 40°C

Santa Cruz, Bolivia, is bracing for a dramatic shift in weather as a cold front that brought rain and low temperatures begins to dissipate. Following several days of chilly conditions, the region anticipates a return of warmth and strong northern winds starting Monday, August 24, 2026.

Agrometeorologist Luis Alpire predicts a progressive temperature rise, with weekend highs in Santa Cruz de la Sierra, Andrés Ibáñez, and the Norte Integrado potentially reaching 35°C. The Chiquitanía region, particularly border municipalities in Ángel Sandoval and Germán Busch provinces, could experience even more extreme heat, with temperatures soaring to 41°C. The Valles cruceños are expected to see highs around 31°C, while the Cordillera region might reach 39°C.

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This behavior will intensify in the coming months due to the incidence of the El Niño phenomenon.

This warming trend is amplified by the influence of the El Niño phenomenon, which Alpire warns will intensify extreme heat in the upcoming months. Projections indicate that temperatures in Santa Cruz could approach 40°C in October, with the Chiquitanía possibly exceeding 45°C and Cordillera reaching between 43°C and 44°C.

Alpire further cautioned that El Niño's impact will peak between November and January, a period that could bring torrential downpours, droughts, and severe heatwaves. According to World Meteorological Organization criteria, a heatwave is defined as persistent high temperatures for at least three days. He warned that such extreme heat periods, lasting three to five days, could begin as early as October. In response to this outlook, Alpire stressed the urgent need for a climate emergency task force involving government levels, volunteer firefighters, environmental institutions, and private sector actors to develop preventive measures.

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A heatwave can be configured when maximum temperatures are maintained for at least three days.