RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL – A drop in temperatures and rainfall were decisive for Paraguay to lower its wildfire record to 198 outbreaks in the past 12 hours. Twenty-four hours ago 1,062 outbreaks were active. In most of the country’s departments, figures are now below 30 cases.
The area of greatest concern is now in second place in terms of outbreaks. Alto Paraguay took the lead, with 61 risk areas. The first department now registers 54. A little further away are Amambay with 27, Presidente Hayes with 24 and Boquerón with 23.
In terms of quantity, the most problematic departments are all in the north of the country, a situation that remained constant over the past week, considered very critical.
The other positive news is that there are no outbreaks at all in 8 departments, among them Central. San Pedro is highlighted for having only 5 fire outbreaks. Despite the decrease, Concepción continues to account for more cities in number of outbreaks.
The report at 9 AM today (August 26) shows that this department accounts for 53 fires. Next comes Fuerte Olimpo (Alto Paraguay) with 45. Two areas not previously included in records now are: General Eugenio A. Garay, in Boquerón, with 23 outbreaks, and Mayor Pablo Lagerenza, in Alto Paraguay, with 13 events.
ENCOURAGING OUTLOOK
The map shows how the weather conditions are beginning to produce positive effects. In most of the national territory, the indicators show a slight and low probability of fire occurrence due to the influence of meteorological factors.
The only points where the potential occurrence of fire is still high or very high are parts of Boquerón and northeastern Paraguay, in the border area with Brazil.
Another positive development is that the particulate matter with the concentration of pollutants in the air has been reduced. Concepción, Canindeyú and Alto Paraná show a mild pink shade, according to the parameters shown in yesterday’s report.
SOUTH WINDS BRING SOME RELIEF UNTIL FRIDAY
According to the Meteorological Directorate, over the next 2 days the maximum temperature in the country should not exceed 27ºC. No north winds are expected, which could rekindle the flames.
Thursday 26: Cool weather. South winds. Scattered showers with occasional thunderstorms over the center and north of the Eastern Region. Expected maximum temperatures between 19°C and 21°C.
Friday 27: Cold at dawn, then warm in the afternoon. Southeast winds. No rain forecast. Expected maximum temperatures between 19°C and 24°C.
August continues to exceed outbreaks of 10 years ago over a 12-month period. This month has so far registered 43,230 outbreaks.