Heavy rainfall has enveloped several regions of Brazil, prompting authorities to issue urgent weather alerts and safety warnings. The National Institute of Meteorology (INMET) has sounded alarms for various states, particularly highlighting the severe weather conditions expected through the coming days.
According to INMET, as of Wednesday, 5th Feb, intense rainfall has been forecast across the Maranhão region, where 116 municipalities are under alert. The warning encompasses significant rainfall between 30 to 60 millimeters per hour and cumulative daily rain reaching between 50 to 100 millimeters, alongside intense winds of up to 100 km/h. Such conditions raise serious concerns about power outages, fallen trees, flooding, and lightning strikes.
The list of affected cities includes Afonso Cunha, Lago Verde, and São Luís, among others, with safety instructions advocating for caution during windy conditions. Residents are advised not to seek shelter under trees and to refrain from operating electrical devices during severe weather. If caught in flooding, it is recommended to find safe ground away from electrical posts and trees.
Brasília, Brazil's capital, also faces weather challenges. A yellow alert was issued on 4th and 5th February, predicting rainfall amounts between 20 to 30 mm/h, with gusty winds of 40 to 60 km/h. Residents are encouraged to stay vigilant, avoiding shelter under trees or parking near transmission towers to prevent accidents from falling debris.
The weather forecast predicts unstable conditions throughout the week, with maximum temperatures ranging between 18°C to 28°C. It becomes more of a concern when there’s potential for thunderstorms commencing from 7th February onwards.
INMET has issued additional alerts, indicating widespread rainfall across the country. Five new alerts were released, three categorized as yellow warning levels and signaling precipitation of 20 to 30 mm/h with winds reaching up to 60 km/h. Two other warnings were escalated to orange, indicating high danger with rainfall between 30 to 60 mm/h and winds of 60 to 100 km/h.
This week, many states from north to south are impacted by intense and hazardous weather, with recommendations to avoid shelter directly under trees due to the increased risk of lightning and wind-felled branches.
The southern region is currently experiencing extreme heat, described as dangerous by INMET due to temperatures significantly above average, reaching highs of 43.8°C recently. This contradiction showcases Brazil’s volatile weather, as some areas deal with intense rainfall, whereas others are overwhelmed by oppressive heat. Quaraí, for example, is one of the hardest-hit areas with record-high temperatures.
INMET has also issued warnings for Ceará, where rain alerts issued are marked by potential hazards, particularly affecting Fortaleza and its metropolitan area. Heavy rain advisories detail wind gusts of 40 to 60 km/h and potential power outages or tree falls.
Driving conditions are another concern due to the combination of saturated roads and strong winds. The public is advised to reduce speed considerably below the road's maximum limit when traveling and to refrain from sudden braking if hydroplaning occurs. The risks from standing water are considerable, and citizens are reminded to remain cautious.
Heavy rains have already affected the education sector, with classes suspended across various municipalities. For example, the Government of Paulista took precautionary measures to cancel morning, afternoon, and night classes to safeguard students and staff.
Brazil’s response to these severe weather patterns involves monitoring by multiple agencies and local governments, offering guidance and support to communities. For emergencies, citizens are advised to contact the Civil Defense (199) and local fire departments (193).
This tumultuous weather week serves as a reminder of Brazil’s complex climate and the importance of staying informed about safety protocols during extreme weather conditions. Authorities urge residents to remain alert to updates from INMET and to take necessary precautions as conditions evolve.