Brazil experiences record heatwaves and drought driven by El Niño

Extreme heat and drought conditions are impacting several regions in Brazil, driven largely by the El Niño phenomenon. In Manaus, temperatures reached a new record of 37.4°C, following a previous high of 37.1°C just days earlier. Experts attribute the intense heat to the warming of the Equatorial Pacific, which alters rainfall patterns and increases temperatures in the North and Northeast.

In the state of Acre, record temperatures of 37.1°C have been recorded in Rio Branco. Meteorological forecasts suggest that the region may face a prolonged dry season with below-average rainfall through November, increasing the risk of forest fires and impacting water availability. However, a polar air mass is expected to arrive in Acre by early September, potentially bringing a temporary drop in temperatures.

Additionally, the Distrito Federal has experienced its highest temperatures of the year, with some areas recording up to 45°C alongside critically low humidity levels, reaching as low as 13%. Authorities have issued alerts regarding the risks of forest fires and health issues related to dry air.