Brazil hit by intense cold wave as polar air mass drives temperatures below zero

A strong polar air mass moved southward across Brazil from June 22‑27, 2026, bringing a severe cold wave. In Santa Catarina, minimum temperatures fell to –5 °C in the highlands and near‑freezing in coastal areas, prompting a high‑risk alert from the state Defesa Civil for hypothermia and frost damage. Rio Grande do Sul experienced temperatures as low as –8 °C on the high plateau, with widespread frost and icy road conditions. Mato Grosso do Sul saw temperatures drop to 0‑2 °C, strong winds up to 60 km/h and the possibility of inverted minima, leading the local Defesa Civil to issue yellow alerts for cold and rain. The front also caused heavy rains in southern and central regions, disrupting grain harvests and raising concerns about a 5 % rise in gasoline prices. Municipalities such as Campo Grande re‑opened “Inverno Acolhedor” shelters in Parque Ayrton Senna to assist homeless people during the cold spell. Weather agencies (INMET, Cemtec) forecast continued low temperatures through the week, with rain and potential frost in other states including São Paulo, Minas Gerais and Rio Preto. Health officials warned that vulnerable groups – the elderly, children and those with respiratory conditions – should take extra precautions.