Severe weather warnings have recently been issued across northeastern Brazil as the Instituto Nacional de Meteorologia (INMET) declared the first-ever red alert for heavy rainfall, predicting significant weather disturbances impacting cities such as Fortaleza and São Luís.
The alert, which covers 71 municipalities within Ceará, was established on February 28, 2025, and is expected to remain active until noon on March 1, 2025. Forecasts suggest rainfall may exceed 60 millimeters per hour (mm/h) or surpass 100 mm within 24 hours, accompanied by wind gusts exceeding 100 kilometers per hour (km/h).
INMET warns of the potential hazards associated with this severe weather, which include significant damage to buildings, power outages, falling trees, electric shocks, flooding, flash floods, and disruption of road transport. Residents are advised to seek shelter and avoid outdoor activities during the alert period.
This historic red alert for Ceará, classified as “great danger,” is unprecedented, as the state has primarily experienced yellow and orange alerts in previous weather events. The announcement encourages inhabitants of cities like Fortaleza, Sobral, and Caucaia to be vigilant and prepared for the imminent conditions.
Alongside the warnings for Ceará, Maranhão has also been affected, with INMET issuing similar alerts impacting 114 municipalities including São Luís. Here too, the Meteorological Institute cautions about heavy rains forecasted to exceed those dangerously high figures.
The weather disturbances are attributed to the Zona de Convergência Intertropical (ZCIT), which has been influencing the region with increased precipitation. This system of cloud formation moves seasonally and currently seems to be positioned southward, fostering the ideal conditions for greater evaporation and rain accumulation.
For the affected areas, the following precautions have been recommended:
- Residents should disconnect electrical appliances to prevent potential shocks during power surges caused by heavy rains.
- Documents and valuable items should be secured and stored safely from potential flooding.
- People are urged to stay away from low-lying areas prone to flooding and avoid traveling during the storms to reduce the risk of accidents.
On the ground, emergency services are preparing for the worst, with local authorities coordinating with INMET to monitor conditions and provide timely updates. Information hotlines, such as the Defensa Civil at 199 and the Corpo de Bombeiros at 193, are operational for residents to report emergencies or seek advice.
Fortaleza has recorded substantial rainfall, with recent data showing the city received 178 millimeters just between February 27 and 28 alone—the highest amount recorded this year. This downpour has led to several incidents, including 118 emergency responses logged by the Fortaleza Civil Defense within just 12 hours due to various weather-related issues.
Despite the gravity of the situation, the community is urged to maintain calm and take heed of official advisories. Precautionary measures, like staying indoors during heavy rains and avoiding travel, could prove invaluable as the area braces for the stormy weather.
Local meteorologists will continue to disseminate updates from INMET as weather patterns and forecasts evolve. With expectations of rainfall continuing, albeit with reduced intensity from March 1, vigilance remains key as residents look forward to resolution of the current tumultuous weather conditions.
The collaboration between meteorological agencies and local governments will be imperative to mitigate the risks associated with these intense weather patterns and to safeguard lives and property as much as possible.
Residents are now closely monitoring the developments and are hopeful for improvements soon as the warning periods conclude. They are reminded to stay informed through reliable news outlets or social media channels for the latest updates on safety advisories and weather forecasts.