Record heat in Rio de Janeiro – temperatures reach 44°C!

While we are experiencing freezing temperatures, Brazilians are struggling with a scorching 44°C heatwave. In Rio de Janeiro, located in the southeastern part of the country, Monday saw the highest temperature recorded since the climate warning system was introduced in 2014. The National Institute of Meteorology (Instituto Nacional de Meteorologia, INMET) warns that the summer heatwave will persist.

Extreme temperatures across Brazil

The record-breaking heat in Rio de Janeiro is part of a broader phenomenon affecting many regions in Brazil. In São Paulo, temperatures have reached 37.7°C, in Belo Horizonte 33°C, and in Porto Alegre 36°C. In the northeastern city of Salvador, the mercury has risen above 31°C.

The average February temperature in Rio de Janeiro is around 27°C, typically ranging from 23°C to 31°C. The current heat exceeds these values by more than 10°C. February in Rio also usually sees average rainfall between 128-150 mm. However, a dry spell has persisted, intensifying the heat. Raquel Franco, the chief meteorologist of the Rio Alert System, stated that since there is no rain in sight, this could be one of the driest Februarys in history.

Impact of the heatwave on Rio de Janeiro residents

Forecasts indicate that high temperatures in the state of Rio de Janeiro will continue through the weekend and into the first half of next week. INMET has issued the highest weather alert for 15 states across southeastern, central-western, and parts of northern Brazil.

In response to the extreme conditions, the city of Rio de Janeiro has activated a heatwave protocol. The city has opened 58 cooling stations with shaded areas and hydration points, located in places such as Cinelândia and Praça XV in the city center, as well as in Bangu (west zone), Madureira, and Irajá (north zone).

Some cities in the state of Rio de Janeiro, including Mangaratiba and Barra Mansa, have shortened school hours. In the capital itself, classes continue as scheduled. Schools are encouraging students to increase fluid intake and are distributing more fruit. Outdoor activities, including physical education classes, have been either banned or moved indoors.

Public health services have been put on high alert due to the expected rise in heat-related cases, such as sunburns and dehydration.

“We expect the hottest summer in recent years,” said Daniel Soranz, Rio’s health secretary. In January, more than 3,000 people required medical attention in the city’s emergency departments due to the heat. This figure is more than twice as high as in previous years.