Southern Brazil hit by heavy rains, storms and a cold front as El Niño intensifies

A series of strong rain systems are affecting southern Brazil. In Santa Catarina, a week of unstable weather with intense thunderstorms, high winds and coastal waves above three metres is expected, while a developing extratropical cyclone will bring colder air and sub‑5 °C temperatures by Friday. Paraná experiences widespread short‑term storms with heavy rain, frequent lightning and occasional hail, especially in the western and southwestern parts of the state. The cold front moving northward will lower temperatures across the region, prompting Inmet alerts for drops of 3 °C‑5 °C and localized frost in southern Santa Catarina and Rio Grande do Sul. The front also caused power outages for about 2,800 households in Curitiba just before a national football match. Rio Grande do Sul’s civil defence issued flood warnings for towns such as Erechim and Sarandi, noting rainfall totals up to 130 mm and wind gusts of 90 km/h. A coordinated El Niño monitoring bulletin warned of above‑average rainfall in the southern states for July–September 2026, while central‑north Brazil may face severe drought. Authorities are urging preventive measures to protect communities, agriculture and infrastructure.