Argentina faces new heat wave as hundreds of thousands lose power

BUENOS AIRES -- Argentina is experiencing another severe heat wave affecting 10 of the country's 24 provinces, the National Meteorological Service said Wednesday.

In the capital city of Buenos Aires, authorities issued a yellow heat alert, warning that high temperatures "could be dangerous, particularly for vulnerable groups like children, seniors over 65, and those with chronic illnesses."

The heat index reached 44.4 degrees Celsius (112 degrees Fahrenheit) shortly after 2:45 pm local time.

Thousands of residents in Buenos Aires sought relief in air-conditioned shopping malls, parks, and recreational sites like Parque de los Ninos in the north and Parque de la Ciudad in the south.

Power outages occurred across the Buenos Aires metropolitan area, affecting over 622,000 users, approximately 2 million people, local media reported.

Government buildings, including the presidential palace and the Ministry of Economy, were left without electricity. Several suburban train lines and metro services were suspended or limited.

Neighborhoods in central, southern, and western parts of the capital experienced blackouts, causing widespread traffic disruptions due to non-functioning traffic lights on the first business day after the Carnival holidays.

The National Meteorological Service issued a red alert -- the highest warning -- for some areas of Corrientes, Formosa, Chaco, Misiones, and Santiago del Estero provinces, indicating that high temperatures are "extremely dangerous and can affect all individuals, even healthy ones."