Severe weather conditions swept through southern Brazil this past weekend, leading to significant disruptions and damages across multiple states, particularly Rio Grande do Sul and Santa Catarina. As of Saturday, May 10, 2025, the Civil Defense reported that 39 municipalities in Rio Grande do Sul were affected by storms and strong winds, with the most severe impact felt in Erval Grande, where a tornado caused extensive damage.
According to the Civil Defense, the tornado in Erval Grande damaged approximately 250 properties and displaced 40 families, with wind speeds exceeding 100 km/h. The storm led to common issues such as fallen trees, roof damage, flooding, and blocked roads. Other municipalities, including Soledade, Mata, and Alegrete, also reported significant damages. In Soledade, around 100 homes were damaged, and there was a partial power outage. Meanwhile, in Mata, about 20 families were displaced but have since returned home.
In Alegrete, at least 20 houses sustained roof damage, with additional reports of damage to the Instituto Farroupilha pavilion and a local school. Santa Maria saw 15 neighborhoods affected by fallen trees and roof damage, including the collapse of a wall at the Medianeira school. Other municipalities like Nova Palma, Encruzilhada do Sul, Candelária, Triunfo, and Uruguaiana also reported storm-related incidents. In Triunfo, firefighters had to evacuate elderly residents from a nursing home after the roof was damaged.
The situation prompted the Civil Defense to maintain teams in the field to monitor the affected areas. They urged municipalities to keep updating their records through official channels to facilitate potential response actions.
As the severe weather moved eastward, the National Institute of Meteorology (Inmet) issued an orange alert for severe weather conditions across several southern states, including Santa Catarina and Paraná. The alert was in effect from Friday, May 9, through Saturday, May 10, indicating expectations of heavy rainfall, strong winds ranging from 60 km/h to 100 km/h, and a risk of hail.
Francine Sacco, a meteorologist, noted that the cold front that caused the disturbances was moving away, leading to a transition to more stable weather in Santa Catarina. This shift would allow for sunny days but with intense cold, particularly at night. On Saturday, temperatures were expected to drop significantly, with the Meio-Oeste and highlands experiencing lows between 5°C and 7°C, while other areas would see temperatures between 10°C and 15°C.
Despite the harsh conditions, Saturday afternoon brought milder temperatures, ranging from 22°C to 24°C in most regions, with the Serra experiencing cooler temperatures under 20°C. However, the wind remained a concern, with gusts up to 70 km/h and waves reaching 2.5 meters, posing a moderate risk for activities such as fishing and navigation.
Looking ahead to Sunday, May 11, the weather was expected to be sunny as the dry, cold air mass strengthened. Morning temperatures in the Serra could drop below 0°C, while the Planalto Norte, Meio-Oeste, and higher parts of Grande Florianópolis would see temperatures between 0°C and 5°C, with possible frost. Other regions would experience milder temperatures between 8°C and 15°C. By the afternoon, conditions would improve with temperatures ranging from 19°C to 24°C.
On Monday, May 12, cloud cover was expected to increase along the coast and nearby areas, with possible light, isolated rain, particularly in the morning and evening. The Serra may see temperatures drop below 0°C again, while other areas would have minimum temperatures between 8°C and 13°C. Afternoon highs should range from 22°C to 24°C in most regions, with the Serra remaining cooler.
As the week progresses, meteorological forecasts indicate that eastern Santa Catarina will experience cloudier conditions with light, isolated rain expected on Tuesday, May 13, and Wednesday, May 14. The Grande Oeste region, however, is likely to enjoy mostly sunny weather.
In summary, the severe weather that affected southern Brazil over the weekend has led to significant damages and disruptions, particularly in Rio Grande do Sul and Santa Catarina. The Civil Defense continues to monitor the situation and advises residents to remain vigilant and heed warnings from authorities.
