Weather extremes

Seven people die in the worst heat wave ever recorded in Argentina

At least seven people have died in the worst heat wave in Argentina since records began

the Independent,

31 December, 2013

The Government has declared a state of emergency as temperatures rose to over 45C in Santiago del Estero, where the victims lived, and other northern provinces in the country.

Hundreds of people had to be assessed by medical professionals, with doctors warning people to shelter indoors during the hottest hours of the day.

The intense heat has been exacerbated by power cuts and water shortages which have lasted for two weeks in some parts of Buenos Aires.

Many people have therefore been left unable to cool down using air conditioning.

Businesses including ice cream parlours which would otherwise benefit from a heatwave have lost their stock due to the electrical blackouts.

While the Government blames energy shortages on the extreme weather, the opposition accuses it of mismanaging the crisis.

Residents have set fire to rubbish bags and tyres on roads in protest at the lack of services that they say they are entitled to as taxpayers.

It is alleged the electricity shortages are a consequence of under investment in the country's electrical network.

Heat waves were also seen in other parts of the world in 2013, including the UK and the US.

In June, temperatures in California's Death Valley soared to 54C, just short of the 56C world record

Mercury dips to 17 Years low. North India Chills, normal life disrupted 

New Delhi: Large swathes of North India bore the brunt of cold wave and icy winds as temperature in several parts of the region breached the sub-zero level, with Leh in Jammu and Kashmir witnessing the coldest day of the season.

In the national capital, it was a clear sky but chilly day as icy winds brought the temperature down.

The maximum temperature was at 20.6 degrees Celsius while the minimum was recorded at 6.2 degrees Celsius, two degrees below the normal level, the Meteorological department said.

In Jammu and Kashmir the cold further tightened its grip.