Severe rainfall has struck Fortaleza, leading to widespread flooding and disruption throughout the city. On the night of February 27, 2025, heavy showers, thunder, and lightning wreaked havoc particularly along Avenida Osório de Paiva, one of the busiest roads. Video footage captured by bystanders showed men struggling to salvage vehicles submerged by rushing water, illustrating the chaos caused by the flooding.
The flooding on Avenida Osório de Paiva created significant traffic issues, with drivers attempting to navigate through torrential waters. Similar scenes unfolded at Avenida Perimetral, known colloquially as the “lagoa da pista,” where the overflow of water from local lagoons forced motorists to use the opposite lanes, making travel perilous. Adding to the confusion, traffic lights were rendered useless, intensifying the already hazardous conditions.
According to the Fundação Cearense de Meteorologia e Recursos Hídricos (Funceme), the unstable weather is not set to improve soon, with forecasts indicating continued rainfall and isolated thunderstorms across many regions of Ceará. Specifically, rain on Saturday, March 1, may be more significant, especially along the coastline and central hinterlands. With this expected intensification of rainfall, authorities are urging citizens to exercise extra caution when travelling through the streets of Fortaleza.
This month alone has seen Fortaleza gather 349.8 millimeters of rain, ranking it as the second-highest total for February among all municipalities in the state of Ceará. The only municipality receiving more rainfall is Pindoretama, which recorded 351 mm. These figures reflect more than double the average February rainfall level, which ranges between 80 to 156 mm.
Lucas Fumagalli, a meteorologist from Funceme, explained the phenomena behind these heavy downpours: "When the Zona de Convergência Intertropical is active, it provides additional moisture to local wind systems, which become more intense. This results in prolific rainfall". Due to historical trends, February is often followed by equally heavy rainfall patterns throughout March, reinforcing the likelihood of continued wet weather during the Carnival period.
The current surge of precipitation has provoked the local Defesa Civil to respond to 198 incidents of storm-related disturbances—comprising floods, landslides, and structural threats. Assessments have shown 127 incidents of landslide risks, alongside 23 flooding cases, indicating how current weather challenges exacerbate existing vulnerabilities within the city's architecture.
Given the consistent prevalence of rain this season, the Defesa Civil highlights numerous potential hazards, saying, "Since the start of the year, our operations have focused on ensuring preparedness against heavy rains and flooding, including regular monitoring of 66 high-risk areas and extensive cleaning operations across urban waterways." They noted efforts have included cleaning up to 95 drainage channels and five lagoons, with additional maintenance work underway.
While recent rain marked February as one of the wettest months on record for the city, it is anticipated to lower average temperatures considerably. The lowest temperature so far during this rainy season was documented earlier this month on February 21, dipping to around 20.9°C. The events now appear to be following patterns from prior years where significant rain leads to problem areas for drainage and flooding.
The general forecast suggests conditions will remain humid with continuing rain and possible flooding through the first half of March. Residents are cautioned to remain attentive to weather updates and prepared for the impacts of soakings expected especially during weekends and holiday celebrations.
To summarize, the combination of high rainfall, proactive emergency management, and community vigilance will be key to helping Fortaleza residents navigate the challenges posed by their current atmospheric conditions.
With spring approaching, experts from Funceme indicate the growing likelihood of seasonal rains can still lead to localized severe weather, and citizens are advised to stay informed through local news and weather advisories as the Carnival holiday approaches, which historically sees climate fluctuations and significant participation from local populations.