INAMHI Warns of "Unprecedented" Heat Wave — Coastal Ecuador Seeing 35–40°C Heat Index

The Warning

Ecuador's weather service INAMHI (Instituto Nacional de Meteorología e Hidrología) issued a warning on April 12, 2026 of what it called an "ola de calor sin precedentes" — an unprecedented heat wave — affecting much of the country. Per El Telégrafo: "El Instituto Nacional de Meteorología e Hidrología (INAMHI) alertó este 12 de abril de 2026 sobre una ola de calor sin precedentes en Ecuador."

The impact is most severe in the Litoral (coastal) region.

The Numbers

Specific peak temperatures recorded:

• Guayaquil (Guayas): 35.6°C
• Santa Rosa (El Oro): 35.8°C
• Portoviejo (Manabí): 35.0°C

Heat index values are pushing higher. INAMHI notes that "la sensación térmica podría ser aún mayor y llegar a alrededor de 40 °C en algunas localidades" — the "felt" temperature could reach around 40°C in some areas.

This isn't an isolated day. Between April 9 and April 12, INAMHI already issued Advertencia Meteorológica No. 23 flagging rising daytime temperatures across much of the Litoral.

What This Means for Expats

• Coastal expats (Manta, Salinas, Montañita, Bahía, Guayaquil, Samborondón) face real health risk. 35°C with a 40°C heat index is dangerous territory for anyone vulnerable — infants, elderly, people with cardiovascular conditions, and anyone without reliable AC.
• Hydrate aggressively and stay out of direct sun between 10 AM and 4 PM. This is especially important if you're acclimated to Cuenca or Quito and recently traveled to the coast — your body hasn't adapted to sea-level heat.
• Power grid stress is already hitting. Blackouts are being reported across Guayaquil, Daule, and Samborondón because transformers are overloaded by AC demand. Keep phones charged and plan for outages.
• Watch for kids and pets. Dark-coated dogs overheat fast in direct sun, and any concrete or tile surface will burn paws at these temperatures.
• Emergency contacts: ECU 911 for any heat-related medical emergency. If you see signs of heat stroke — confusion, stopped sweating, red dry skin — call immediately and cool the person with water and ice while waiting for help.

Source: El Telégrafo