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Cold front brings sharp temperature drop and storms across southern Brazil
A polar air mass has moved into southern and southeastern Brazil, bringing a rapid fall in temperatures and the risk of thunderstorms. The cold front affects Rio Grande do Sul, Santa Catarina, Paraná, São Paulo, Minas Gerais, Espírito Santo and the Federal District, with minima near or below 0 °C in some areas and daytime highs ranging from the low teens to the upper 20s. The system also produces strong winds, gusts up to 90 km/h, and heavy rain that could generate local flooding, especially in Rio Grande do Sul where up to 200 mm of rain is forecast for the week.
The same front reaches neighboring countries, extending instability into Uruguay, Argentina and Paraguay. In those regions, the warm air aloft combined with the cold surge fuels severe thunderstorms, hail, strong downdrafts and occasional micro‑explosions. Authorities in the affected Brazilian states have issued alerts, urging residents to limit outdoor exposure, protect vulnerable groups, and stay informed of evolving weather warnings.