Overview
- Senamhi confirmed on Thursday that its Mazo Cruz station recorded the lowest 2026 temperature in Puno at -20.8 °C, with many other altiplano sites registering double-digit subzero minima.
- Local reporting from Pichacani documented stretches of the Laraqueri River with 3–5 cm surface ice, showing the cold is producing visible freezing of shallow river sections.
- The meteorological agency says the cold spell will continue in zones above 4,000 meters and notes very low humidity levels that promote intense frosts across grazing and farming areas.
- Officials are urging urgent protective steps for vulnerable people and for livestock, maintaining hydrological monitoring of Lake Titicaca basin rivers and advising sun protection because daytime UV remains extremely high.
- Sustained heladas threaten highland livelihoods by damaging crops, pastures and animals, and authorities say ongoing forecasts and river surveillance aim to guide local response and reduce later impacts.