Heat wave hits Argentina as millions face blackouts
Argentina is facing another extreme heat wave, affecting 10 provinces across the country.
The National Meteorological Service has warned that temperatures are dangerously high, especially for children, the elderly, and people with health problems.
In Buenos Aires, the heat index reached 44.4 degrees Celsius (112 degrees Fahrenheit) in the afternoon. Many people tried to escape the heat by going to shopping malls, parks, and other public spaces with air conditioning.
The high demand for electricity led to massive power outages across the Buenos Aires metropolitan area.
More than 600,000 homes and businesses lost power, leaving about 2 million people in the dark.
Government buildings, including the presidential palace and the Ministry of Economy, were also affected.
Public transport was disrupted, with some train and metro services stopping or running at reduced capacity. Traffic lights also stopped working, causing congestion on busy roads.
The heat wave is even worse in some northern provinces, where authorities have issued the highest-level warning. In places like Corrientes, Formosa, Chaco, Misiones, and Santiago del Estero, temperatures are so extreme that they could be dangerous for everyone, even healthy people, local reports confirm.
