EN 
PT_BR 
The National Institute of Meteorology (Inmet) has issued a series of danger and potential danger alerts for several regions in the South and Southeast of Brazil due to the combination of a cold wave, the possibility of frost and heavy rain. The adverse conditions, which began at the beginning of the week, are expected to last until Friday (27), with impacts on both health and agricultural production.
Since Monday (23), a polar air mass has caused a sharp drop in temperatures, especially in Rio Grande do Sul and Santa Catarina. A cold wave alert with a “danger” severity level is in effect until 10 am on Friday. According to Inmet, there is a risk to health, with temperatures up to 5 °C below average for a period of 3 to 5 days, affecting regions such as Serra Gaúcha, the Southwest and Northeast of Rio Grande do Sul, as well as the West and South of Santa Catarina.
Another cold wave warning, classified as potentially dangerous, was issued for areas of Paraná, São Paulo, Minas Gerais and Mato Grosso do Sul, valid until Thursday morning (26). In these locations, the drop in temperatures should last two to three days, with a slight risk to health.
In addition to the cold, a new frost alert was published for the early hours of this Thursday (26), with emphasis on areas of Paraná, Santa Catarina, Rio Grande do Sul and the interior of São Paulo. The phenomenon can cause minimum temperatures of up to 3 °C and represents a slight risk of losses in crops, especially in regions such as Vale do Itajaí, Metropolitana de Curitiba, Itapetininga and Serrana.
Inmet also maintains warnings for heavy rains and significant accumulations starting on Wednesday night (25). Precipitation of between 20 and 30 mm per hour or up to 50 mm per day is expected in several areas of the South of the country, with winds of up to 60 km/h. There is a risk of flooding, falling branches and electrical discharges. A specific warning of accumulated rain with a dangerous level was also issued for parts of the West of Santa Catarina, the interior of Paraná and Rio Grande do Sul, with the possibility of volumes between 50 and 100 mm per day, increasing the risk of landslides and river overflows.
Given the combination of severe cold, frost and heavy rain, Inmet recommends that the population and local authorities pay extra attention. Farmers should adopt protective measures for crops that are vulnerable to the cold, while the general population should stay informed and follow the guidelines of the Civil Defense to avoid risks.
