MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

Hot weather hits Rio de Janeiro this winter

Winter heat in Rio should not feel as muggy as in the summer, despite reaching the same temperature

Despite the southern hemisphere being still in winter, meteorologists foresee temperatures in the iconic city of Rio de Janeiro might reach 41°C as dry conditions heat up Southeastern Brazil, Agencia Brasil reported Thursday.

In Rio de Janeiro, the maximum temperature is forecast to reach 41°C, with relative humidity dropping to below 30% in certain areas, although it should not feel as muggy as the summer season, despite having the same temperature, it was explained. The city should experience a significant temperature drop starting Friday.

On Wednesday, Rio witnessed its highest temperature of the winter, reaching 39.2°C in Irajá, in the northern zone, an unusual occurrence for this time of the year.

The previous highest temperature recorded in Rio during winter was on August 31, 2019, when thermometers reached 38.7°C, also in Irajá. Above-average temperatures are expected throughout the Southeast.

“The influence of a warm, dry air mass from central Brazil has been in effect for several days. In Rio, this enhanced warming is due to the approach of a cold front, intensifying the winds that carry this warm and dry air from the central part of the country,” stated the Rio Alert System. The El Niño phenomenon is also contributing to these conditions, specialists also pointed out. (Source: Agencia Brasil)