The increase in temperatures in much of the country is due to the perpendicular incidence of the sun’s rays, which occurs twice a year in Venezuela, explained José Pereira, president of the National Institute of Meteorology and Hydrology (Inameh).
In interview with Shirley VarnagyPereira indicated that the heat wave generally occurs in April and then once more between August and September.
“Right now the sun’s rays are directly over half of the country, this will cause high temperatures for the remainder of April,” he said.
He pointed out that some states such as Guárico, Apure, Barinas and Zulia are registering temperatures of 38 degrees in the shade.
“Temperatures might reach and exceed 40 degrees during some hours of the day in these entities, especially in the plains, where there is no wind,” Pereira warned.
He warned that this situation increases the number of forest fires, which in 90% are caused by the hand of man. “Most will be registered due to the people who make conucos and others due to the glass debris that is thrown into the vegetation,” he said.
He recommended that citizens not expose themselves to the incidence of the sun, especially between 12:00 and 03:00 pm, when the rays are directly over the country.
Climate change
Pereira stated that temperatures both in Venezuela and in the rest of the world are going to increase every day due to climate change. “The atmosphere in response might trigger more natural phenomena like hurricanes and tropical storms,” he said.
He said that the effects of climate change are already beginning to be seen in the country, since currently it should be in the dry season, but unusual rainfall has been seen in some states.
“The rainy season should start in June, but there are states that might have rain in earlier months. Rainfall is expected to be stronger due to the phenomenon of La Niña », she concluded.
