Brazil’s Christmas Forecast: Heat Alerts in the Southeast, Storm Warnings in the South

Overview

• The national weather service (Inmet) keeps heat alerts through December 25 for São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro, as Rio hit 39°C and the city moved to local Heat Level 3 on Wednesday afternoon.
• Forecasts point to a maximum near 36°C in the city of São Paulo on Christmas Day, with hot, stuffy nights and a chance of afternoon thunderstorms, according to CGE and G1.
• Southern states remain under Inmet storm warnings with potential for heavy rain, strong winds and hail, and seven‑day totals that may exceed 200 mm in Rio Grande do Sul and reach 150 mm in parts of Santa Catarina.
• A short‑duration tornado confirmed in Farroupilha (RS) on December 23 produced winds above 100 km/h and damaged homes and a school, with no reported injuries, the state civil defense said.
• Meteorologists link the setup to an upper‑level cyclonic vortex and subtropical blocking, and officials advise hydration, limited sun exposure and adherence to Defesa Civil and Inmet guidance.