Brazilian cities break temperature records this Sunday; São Paulo coast records 43⁰C
The intense heat wave caused a significant increase in temperatures, causing cities in states such as Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo to reach the highest temperatures of the year. Maximum temperatures between 42ºC and 45ºC are expected, with the prospect of records exceeding 45ºC in some areas of the Center-West and Southeast of Brazil.
Heat wave will gain strength this week and bring extraordinarily high maximum temperatures never seen before in many cities in the Center-West and Southeast of Brazil - Photo Reproduction /Tania Trench / Agência Brasil / EBC
An intense heat wave has taken over Brazil and promises to raise temperatures in several Brazilian cities in the coming days. The intense arrival began this Sunday (12), and should strengthen at the beginning of the week and persist throughout it. Maximum temperatures between 42ºC and 45ºC are expected, with the possibility of records above 45ºC in areas of the Central-West and Southeast of Brazil. The extremely hot air mass caused cities in states such as Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo to reach the highest levels of the year.
Heat Wave in Brazil
São Paulo
As reported by the Climate Emergency Management Center (CGE) of São Paulo city hall, the city reached the highest temperature of the year. During the afternoon, the average reached 36.9°C, marking the highest record for the month of November since the beginning of precipitation, 19 years ago. This mark surpassed the old maximum for the same period, which was 35.3°C in 2019.
At 10:40 am, the CGE issued a state of attention alert due to low air humidity throughout the capital of São Paulo. Faced with the intense strong sun and dry climate, the residents of São Paulo, in an attempt to alleviate the feeling of heat, sought to cool off in the Sesc swimming pools and in the city's parks.
Ibirapuera Park, South Zone of SP - Photo Reproduction / Renato S. Cerqueira / Futura Press / Estadão
On the coast of São Paulo, this Sunday, around 11:30 am, temperatures reached 43 °C in the city of Santos. According to data from the National Institute of Meteorology (Inmet), while the table showed 43⁰C in Santos, the agency's records pointed 39 ⁰C in São Vicente, a neighboring city, and 37 ⁰C in Santos, at the same time.
Temperatures are expected to reach 41 °C in cities like Itanhaém, according to information from the National Institute of Meteorology (Inmet). The thermal sensation tends to be even higher due to the humidity in the region. In cities such as Bertioga, Cubatão, São Vicente, Santos and Praia Grande, the maximum temperature is expected to reach 40°C.
Thermometer recorded 43°C near the Santos Forum, SP - Photo Reproduction / Matheus Croce
Rio de Janeiro
This Sunday, until 2 pm, Rio de Janeiro reached a maximum temperature of 40.4ºC, recorded at the Vila Militar do Inmet station, located in the West Zone. According to Inmet, this was the highest temperature of the year in the city. Until 4:30 pm, Rio was considered the hottest capital, according to data received by the institute.
The City Hall Operations Center reported even higher temperatures, reaching 42.5ºC at Irajá Station, with a thermal sensation of 50.5ºC at 1:55 pm. However, this did not surpass the year's record, predicted in February, of 58.3ºC. The feeling of heat had already been intense since the morning, with the tacos measuring 34.1ºC in São Cristóvão, 33.7ºC in Jardim Botânico and 33ºC in Irajá at around 9:15 am.
Waterfront of Botafogo, this Sunday morning - Photo reproduction / Rafael Nascimento
Impacts and Consequences
High temperatures have a direct and immediate impact on people's lives. In addition to physical discomfort, health can also be harmed, increasing the risk of dehydration, heatstroke and other problems related to excessive heat. On very hot days, it is essential to take precautions to ensure well-being and health. See what the experts' recommendations are.
Hydration: Drink lots of water throughout the day. On hot days, the body loses more fluid, so it is crucial to report hydration. Avoid drinks with caffeine or alcohol, as they can further dehydrate you.
Solar protection: Use sunscreen to protect your skin from ultraviolet rays. Also, wear light clothing, sunglasses and hats to protect yourself from the sun.
Avoid sun exposure: Try to stay in cool, shaded places. Avoid outdoor activities during peak heat hours, generally between 10am and 4pm.
Suitable clothing: Opt for light clothing, made from breathable fabrics and in light colors, which reflect more sunlight.
Environmental cooling: Keep rooms cool by using fans, air conditioning, or blinds to block direct sunlight.
Healthy eating: Choose light, fresh meals, such as fruits and vegetables, that contain plenty of water and nutrients. Avoid heavy and fatty foods.
Be careful with exercises: If you practice physical exercise, choose to do it at cooler times of the day and don't forget to hydrate well.
Be careful with risk groups: Children, the elderly and people with pre-existing health conditions, such as heart or respiratory problems, are more susceptible to heat. They must be well hydrated and comfortable.
Predictions
In several regions, temperatures during the week are expected to be between 10ºC and 15ºC above historical averages, representing a specific deviation in relation to standard climatology. This will result in unusual and unprecedented maximum temperatures in many areas of Central Brazil.
There is a possibility that Brazil will reach a new official maximum temperature record. To date, the highest official temperature record in the country was 44.8°C in Nova Maringá, Mato Grosso, on November 4th and 5th, 2020. However, this mark could be surpassed this week, as models indicate maximum temperatures close to or even higher than those observed during the 2020 heat wave.
