After three heat waves affected much of Brazil this year, meteorologists predict that the phenomenon should return in the coming days. However, the center-south of the country tends to be the most affected by high temperatures.
“A new heat wave is predicted to partially affect the central-south region of Brazil, covering part of the states of Mato Grosso, Mato Grosso do Sul, Paraná, São Paulo and Minas Gerais. Maximum temperatures in these areas are expected to increase by 5 °C or more in the last days of April”, explains Hugo Ramos, meteorologist at the Capixaba Institute of Rural Research and Extension (Incaper).
Despite not being directly affected by the phenomenon, Espírito Santo should experience an increase in temperatures in the coming days, after the removal of a cold front that passed through the state last weekend. “Although some cities may record temperatures above 30 °C, and even reach 35 °C, they are not expected to be directly affected by this large mass of dry and hot air located in the center-south of Brazil”, he adds.
But what causes the heat wave?
According to meteorological services, such as the National Institute of Meteorology (Inmet) and Incaper, the rise in temperatures in recent months was influenced by El Niño. “This phenomenon may contribute to a trend of above-normal temperatures, as revealed in recent climate analyses”, details Hugo.
For autumn, the forecast is that temperatures will remain above average for this period of the year, generally characterized in Espírito Santo by a hot and rainy start, followed by a transition to colder temperatures and dry weather.
“Climate forecasts indicate that the pattern of above-average temperatures will continue throughout the quarter. This could result in fewer polar air masses reaching the state, which characterizes a transition to winter with less than mild temperatures”, concludes the meteorologist.
