SÃO PAULO – The city of São Paulo is grappling with severe weather conditions following intense heat, as the Defesa Civil has issued multiple alerts for flooding and severe thunderstorms throughout the city. On February 18, 2025, the initial notice came around 14:00, warning residents to seek safe shelter as the weather system moved across various neighborhoods.
Reports indicate significant hail and strong winds accompanying heavy rainfall, particularly affecting areas such as Parelheiros and Capela do Socorro in the south. The Civil Defense emphasized, "Chuva forte nas Zonas Central e Leste do Município. Tem raios, vento e granizo. Atinge áreas próximas, busque abrigo," urging residents to be cautious as conditions worsened.
The storms mark the culmination of extreme weather events following several days of high temperatures, which hit an alarming peak of 37°C across the metropolitan region. The heatwave, which has gripped São Paulo since February 17, has created the ideal conditions for these sudden rain hazards. The CGE noted, "Áreas de chuva formadas pelo calor e a entrada da brisa marítima começam a atuar na cidade de forma isolada e lenta," explaining the meteorological factors contributing to the current storms.
With the rain, many neighborhoods reported rapid changes, transitioning from the sweltering heat to torrential downpours, causing rapidly rising water levels and prompting significant urban challenges. The CGE confirmed by mid-afternoon on February 18, all regions of the city had entered "estado de atenção" (state of alert) for potential flooding.
Residents took to social media to document the extreme weather. User Felipe Goulart tweeted about the hail, stating, "Um pouquinho de granizo na região da Consolação, São Paulo/SP. A chuva veio com tudo hoje," reflecting the surprise and urgency felt among the populace. Other tweets included similar sentiments of concern as the storm descended upon the city, showing the shared experiences of discomfort and fear among São Paulo's inhabitants.
The weather emergency not only prompted flooding worries but also brought down energy supply across the metropolis. The Enel energy distribution company reported nearly 60,000 customers lost power during the peak of the storm, significantly impacting daily lives and raising concerns about safety during subsequent storms.
Looking forward, the CGE has predicted continued instability for the coming days, indicating hot conditions will prevail alongside isolated rain showers expected to bring both relief and additional distress. "Os próximos dias seguem com muito calor e pancadas isoladas de chuva no final das tardes," outlined the CGE’s warnings, advising residents to remain cautious due to the continuing risks posed by heat combined with sudden rain.
Authorities have recommended several safety measures to mitigate the storms’ impacts: avoid venturing onto flooded streets, take shelter during hail storms, and keep clear of electrical installations and downed power lines. The city remains vigilant, with residents urged to follow official updates to stay safe during this climactic weather scenario.
Officials expect the tension between rising temperatures and precipitation to create paradoxical conditions over the next few days, leading to potential new thunderstorms and flooding hazards. The authorities are prepared to respond as needed, hoping to protect residents and minimize the impact of these severe weather events.