Global General

Argentina declares alert for high temperatures

(Xinhua)
Updated: 2010-12-23 13:48

Residents eat ice cream in Buenos Aires, capital of Argentina, Dec 22, 2010. [Photo/Xinhua]?

BUENOS AIRES, Argentina- The Argentine National Weather Service (SMN) declared a yellow alert for the extreme temperatures on Wednesday in Buenos Aires as a result of a heat wave in the region.

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Just after 12:50 pm local time (1550 GMT), the temperature in the capital hit 34.8 degrees Celsius, similar to temperatures in the center and north of the country.

The official scale of alert goes from green, yellow and orange to red, with red indicating the highest, most dangerous temperatures.

The SMN issued the second-level alert because the risk of death increases by 10 percent to 30 percent due to the severe temperatures.

The SMN added that a heat wave happens if temperatures stay above 32 degrees Celsius for more than three days.

The Ministry of Health advised the public to take preventive measures against the heat, especially children under three, adults aged over 65 and those who have chronic respiratory and cardiac illnesses, high blood pressure, obesity or diabetes.

The ministry suggested that people drink a lot of water and avoid overeating or alcoholic beverages, and that they eat fresh food such as fruit and vegetables.