Brazil Heatwave Deepens as São Paulo Sets New December Record and Red Alerts Expand

Overview

• Inmet alerts now cover eight states across the Southeast and parts of the South and Center-West, with several areas under red-level heat risk through Monday.
• São Paulo hit 36.2°C on December 26, surpassing the 35.9°C mark set on Christmas, while Rio de Janeiro reported around 40–41°C and the city activated heat level 3.
• Meteorologists cite a blocking pattern reinforced by the South Atlantic subtropical high and an upper-level vortex, keeping temperatures roughly 5°C above average and suppressing organized rain.
• Forecasts indicate the heat holds through the weekend, then a cyclone and cold front are expected to trigger heavy rain and severe storms from December 29 to 31, with daily totals near 100 mm in some areas and strong winds.
• Health officials urge hydration and limited sun exposure, Rio state lists 22 municipalities under excess heat, and São Paulo authorities issued water-use warnings and set up a crisis cabinet ahead of the storms.