Brazil experienced extreme heat on Sunday, with Rio de Janeiro recording a scorching heat index of 62.3 degrees Celsius, marking the highest in a decade, as reported by weather authorities.
The heat index, which factors in humidity to determine what the temperature feels like, reached a staggering high in western Rio at 09:55 local time. This temperature milestone, recorded by the Alerta Rio weather system, is the “highest mark” since records began in 2014. Although the actual maximum temperature in the city peaked at 42°C on Monday, the heat index was notably higher.
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Despite the intense heat, iconic beaches like Ipanema and Copacabana remained crowded with people seeking relief. Authorities provided tips to help residents cope with the extreme temperatures.
The heatwave has raised concerns among locals, with 49-year-old administrative assistant Raquel Correia expressing fear about the situation worsening due to population growth and rampant deforestation. This record-breaking heat index surpasses the previous high set in November, which reached 59.7°C.
Meanwhile, in the southern region of Brazil, extreme rainfall has caused significant disruptions, with forecasts indicating continued heavy rains and storms throughout the upcoming week. The weather information agency MetSul has issued warnings about the heightened risk of torrential rains and possible gales in the central-southern parts of the country.
