Honduras is facing an intense heat wave that is causing an average of six forest fires per day and a dense layer of smoke that has meant the temporary closing of the main airport terminals and rescheduling of flights. “This week alone 120 hectares have been reported lost in areas neighboring the capital,” Manuel Zelaya, a firefighting official told Tierramérica, adding that more than half of the fires are concentrated in the central region of Francisco Morazán.

Tegucigalpa is covered by a dense haze that is causing respiratory illnesses, especially in children, as well as eye infections.

Weather officials attribute the heat wave to climate change, which has delayed the rainy season that normally begins in May.