A heat wave that hit Brazil this past weekend broke new records, with a thermal sensation of 62.3 degrees Celsius recorded in Rio de Janeiro, the highest in a decade. Meanwhile, São Paulo experienced the hottest March in its history. In the western part of Rio, the thermal sensation reached 62.3 degrees Celsius at 9 in the morning, marking the highest temperature since measurements began in 2014.
On Saturday, the thermal sensation in the same area reached 60.1 degrees Celsius. Crowds gathered at popular beaches like Ipanema and Copacabana, prompting authorities to issue advice on dealing with extreme temperatures. Residents sought relief in places like Tijuca Park and coastal resorts to escape the heat. In São Paulo, parks and squares were filled with people trying to beat the heat.
While parts of Brazil sweltered under intense heat waves, other regions were hit by extreme rains caused by climate change and El Niño phenomenon. The meteorological agency MetSul issued warnings of intense rains and storms in the central-south region of Brazil, with a high risk of flooding and strong winds. In Rio Grande do Sul, some areas saw up to 300 millimeters of rain, causing flooding in cities like Uruguaiana. More rainfall was expected in the coming days, with estimates of up to 500 mm. This volatile weather is attributed to climate change and worsening El Niño phenomenon leading to more frequent extreme weather events.
In addition to these weather extremes, Brazil also set a new record for instant energy demand during peak demand time on Friday with reaching 102,478 megawatts . The country relies heavily on renewable energy sources for power generation but has been challenged by unpredictable weather patterns that put strain on its grid infrastructure
