Aggressive heat wave hits south América

A multiweek heat wave is hitting a large portion of South America. Its one of the most prolonged on record. Argentina, Chile, Paraguay, Uruguay and Brazil are in the eye of the heat wave.

According to an article on January 12th, 2022, in the Washington post, Paraguay, Argentina and surrounding countries are experiencing record breaking heat. Just this past weeks, most known records have been broken.

The post states: "Heat waves are among the deadliest weather phenomena, surpassing tornadoes, flooding and hurricanes in their human toll in many areas".

I live in Paraguay, and the daily temperatures have been over 105F every days since Christmas - forty days - nonstop. Most homes are not build with these extremes in mind. Thin brick walls become ovens, that never cool down. And the steel roof does not help with cooling.

People stay under the shade, those who have air-condition try to minimize the impact, while sitting in one place during most of the day.

Paraguay is the 5th largest world soybean producer and third beef producer. The soybean crop is gone, the yerba mate tea is buffering greatly, animals are dying. People are content with having drinking water and a place to take showers. Rivers are reaching an all time low. The negative consequences for these economies will be great.

While friends in the northern hemisphere are chilling with record breaking snow, rain and we are experiencing this daily oven scenario I realize one more time, how we are all part of the problem, and the solution.

I am already thinking how many trees I will plant when the rains return.
I am wondering if I should lose some pounds and prepare for the next heat wave
I promise to do more exercise and stay fit. It helps to overcome these extremes.
I am thinking about putting insolation in our home as soon as possible.
And If I get around to, I will buy some solar panels and begin using green energy.

What about you? What do you do in extreme circumstances? Email me how you cope with the extreme weathers in your neck of the woods and I will share with this community.

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