Brazil's South and Northeast face severe cold front, heavy rain alerts

A strong cold front is moving across Brazil, bringing heavy rain, hail and wind gusts that may exceed 100 km/h. The system will affect the southern states of Rio Grande do Sul, Santa Catarina and Paraná, where rain totals of up to 100 mm are forecast and the risk of flooding along the Uruguay River basin is high. Meteorological agencies Inmet and Cemaden have issued yellow alerts for strong winds, intense rain and potential landslides.

The front also reaches the northeastern coast from southern Bahia to Rio Grande do Norte, with the greatest rainfall expected in Alagoas, Pernambuco and Paraíba. Urban areas such as Recife and João Pessoa face moderate flood risk, while the interior of the region remains dry. Alerts advise residents to avoid low‑lying areas, stay away from trees during gusts and follow guidance from civil defence.

Earlier this week, a warm air mass produced unusually high temperatures in Rio Grande do Sul, but the incoming cold front is expected to restore typical winter conditions across the region.