Rio de Janeiro Endures Record-Breaking Heatwave Ahead of Carnival

Temperatures reach 44°C, prompting health concerns and disruptions as the city faces its hottest summer in years.

Rio de Janeiro has recorded its highest temperature since 2014, hitting 44°C in the Guaratiba neighborhood.
The city has entered Level 4 heat alert for the first time, indicating extreme heat conditions expected to persist for at least three days.
Authorities have implemented measures such as cooling centers and water distribution stations to aid residents, particularly in vulnerable areas like favelas.
The intense heat has led to the cancellation of some pre-Carnival events, though the main festivities scheduled for February 28 to March 8 will proceed as planned.
Experts link the extreme heat and recent climate events in Brazil, including severe droughts and floods, to the broader impacts of climate change.