But experts also warn that the region’s particularities are enhanced by two other factors: El Niño, a phenomenon in force since mid-2023, which contributes to the increase in the planet’s temperatures; and also climate change, caused by global warming, which has made these events more frequent over time.
According to a survey by Inmet (National Institute of Meteorology), the number of days with extreme precipitation (above 50 millimeters) has increased in Porto Alegre every decade since the 1960s. There were 29 days, between 1961 and 1970; 44 days in 2001 and 66 days between 2011 and 2020.
What to expect in the coming days
The forecast is that the floods will continue for at least 10 days in the capital Porto Alegre, with the level of the Guaíba above 4 meters until the weekend, at least. With the city’s anti-flood system at its limit, water flow should be slower.
Inmet published this Tuesday morning (7) a red alert of great danger of storms between today and Wednesday (8) for the southwest and southeast of Rio Grande do Sul. According to Inmet, the forecast is for rain exceeding 60 millimeters per hour or above 100 millimeters per day, with winds above 100 km/h and hail.
Since Monday, the southern region of Rio Grande do Sul has been affected by heavy rains and records of flooding. According to Inmet, there is a great risk of damage to buildings, electricity cuts, damage to plantations, falling trees, flooding and disruption to road transport. The alert is valid for the municipalities of Aceguá, Arroio Grande, Bagé, Candiota, Canguçu, Capão do Leão, Cerrito, Chuí, Herval, Hulha Negra, Jaguarão, Morro Redondo, Pedras Altas, Pedro Osório, Pelotas, Pinheiro Machado, Piratini, Rio Grande, Santa Vitória do Palmar and São José do Norte.
Tags: Disasters increasingly frequent Brazil
