Paraguay experienced an exceptional weather event in the weekend of 26 and 27 September, with more than thirteen locations across the country breaking historic daily maximum temperature records. The country’s national weather service confirmed breaking the 74-year temperature record following the unprecedented heat.
According to a report from the Dirección de Meteorología e Hidrología (DMH), or Directorate of Meteorology and Hydrology, the most significant reading occurred in the Chaco region, shattering a record that had stood for nearly three-quarters of a century.
A historic high in the Chaco
The most striking temperature was recorded in Mariscal Estigarribia, a city in Paraguay’s department of Boquerón, where thermometers reached 43.8°C. This figure surpasses a historic high that had remained unbroken for 74 years, marking the event as one of the most significant meteorological phenomena in Paraguay in recent decades.
Eduardo Mingo, the director of the DMH, officially released the findings on 29 September 2026. Mingo confirmed that the extreme temperatures observed over the days before led to new records at various weather stations throughout the nation’s different regions.
74-year temperature record: Scale of the heatwave
The report highlighted that it is unusual for more than a dozen localities to register new daily records simultaneously, which underscores the magnitude of the heatwave currently affecting the country. The new benchmark set in the Paraguayan Chaco was the most notable detail, leaving behind a record that had persisted for over seven decades.
The DMH had previously forecast that maximum temperatures for Monday, 28 September, would range between 37°C and 43°C. The highest values were anticipated in the Occidental Region, where the Gran Chaco is located. The date was a public holiday for the commemoration of the Battle of Boquerón.
Public health recommendations
The Directorate of Meteorology and Hydrology continues to monitor the atmospheric conditions and has advised the public to take necessary precautions in response to the high temperatures. Key recommendations have been issued to ensure the wellbeing of residents, particularly the most vulnerable.
Officials have stressed the importance of the following measures:
- Maintaining adequate hydration;
- Avoiding prolonged exposure to the sun;
- Taking extreme care with children, older adults, and individuals with chronic illnesses.
Also read: Surviving The Paraguayan Summer: A Practical Guide For Newcomers.
