Southern Brazil braced for polar front bringing freezing temperatures and rain

A polar air mass moved into southern Brazil on July 4, driving temperatures well below normal across Rio Grande do Sul, Santa Catarina and Paraná. Minimums reached near 0 °C in the highlands and coastal areas, prompting frost warnings in cities such as General Carneiro and Palmas. The cold front also brought strong winds, occasional showers and a flood alert for the Rio Uruguay near São Borja.

While the south experiences frost and rain, central and northern regions face unusually high heat, with daytime temperatures above 30 °C in Minas Gerais, Mato Grosso and the Northeast. Meteorological agencies issued alerts for health risks, urging residents to wear warm clothing, stay hydrated and watch for respiratory issues. The weather pattern is expected to persist through the week, with a possible second cold pulse later in July.