Temperatures at the limit: Panama's 'feels like' heat surpasses 41°C

Panama is grappling with intense heat, as "feels like" temperatures have soared above 41°C in several regions, making daily life increasingly difficult for residents. The combination of fog, humidity, and high temperatures has created suffocating conditions, leading many to describe the heat as "unbearable."

Even basic cooling methods like electric fans are proving insufficient against the oppressive climate. The situation has persisted since May 8, according to the Institute of Meteorology and Hydrology of Panama (Imhpa). The national average temperature has hovered around 34°C, but the peak heat felt significantly higher.

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Unbearable, the heat cannot be endured.

Alceli Lau, the national director of Climatology at Imhpa, reported that the most critical heat event occurred on May 19 around 2:00 PM in Río Grande, Coclé province. There, the recorded temperature exceeded 37°C. When combined with the prevailing humidity, this resulted in a "feels like" temperature surpassing 41°C, a level considered dangerous.

Meteorological authorities attribute the ongoing extreme heat to the effects of the El Niño phenomenon. Experts are advising the public to limit prolonged sun exposure, particularly during peak radiation hours, and to stay consistently hydrated to prevent heat-related health issues. The forecast indicates that these intense heat conditions are likely to continue.

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The maximum temperature recorded occurred in Río Grande, Coclé province, with a value exceeding 37°C, which when combined with the humidity at the moment, gives us a "feels like" temperature exceeding 41°C, which falls into a danger category.