Why is it so hot in Venezuela?

He National Institute of Meteorology and Hydrology (Inameh) I had already anticipated this: August and September would be the hottest months in Venezuela. On August 19, meteorologist Luis Vargas estimated a progressive increase in temperatures in the country, which he noted is usual during this time of year.

Vargas said that the low probability of precipitation will mean that favorable conditions for heat will persist in Venezuela. However, the specialist indicated that estimates of high temperatures suggest values ​​that are not “as extreme” as last year.

In 2023, residents of Venezuelan entities reported an increase in the perception of heat during August and September. The increase in temperature in some states was mainly recorded in areas where there was very little rain.

Angel Graterol Briceño, manager of Inameh, explained that This phenomenon is produced by solar declination or direct exposure of the sun’s rays on the national territory..

Briceño said that these conditions have two moments of greatest intensity in Venezuela: one in April and another starting on August 20. During these dates, temperatures can rise between 2 and 4 degrees Celsius above what is considered normal.For this September 24, Inameh forecasts high temperatures in Caracas and some states of the country.

He warned that The feeling of heat could last until the end of September.

Solar decline produces heat in Venezuela

In August, Luis Vargas announced that the solar declination It was very close to the continental area of ​​Venezuela. He explained that it would affect Falcón and the sun’s rays would progressively affect the national territory in a north-south direction, which would influence a greater perception of heat.

“Let us remember that (the solar decline) will continue to ‘sweep’ progressively until it reaches the southernmost point of our country, the source of the Ararí River, Amazonas state, on September 21.”Vargas wrote on his X account.

In general, solar declination is an important factor affecting the climate of Venezuela. During the summer months, when solar declination is greater, temperatures are higher and there are more sunny and, consequently, hot days.

A heat dome in Venezuela?

Recently a version circulated that in the last week of September Venezuela would be hit by a heat domeHowever, fake news hunters and Inameh denied it.

🚫 No, in Venezuela there will not be an atmospheric heat dome as a message claims #WhatsApp.

🔎This is a #FakeLegendLevel which has circulated in different versions since June 2023 during the hot months in the country.
https://t.co/VRBsnxxRwp ⬅️ pic.twitter.com/qkBGNrYN8i

— Venezuelan Observatory of Fake News (@ObservatorioFN) September 24, 2024

The hottest year

In 2023, international organizations They warned about heat waves which were recorded in some parts of the world, including Europe and Latin America.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has also warned that climate change is making heat waves more frequent and intense. Health experts have therefore called on countries to be prepared for high temperatures and take measures to protect those most affected.

WHO warns that extreme heat can cause exhaustion, heat stroke and other symptoms.

“People most vulnerable to extreme heat are children, the elderly, people with chronic illnesses, and people who work outdoors.”the organization says.