Piauí faces extreme heat and high forest fire risk

The state of Piauí is facing a period of extreme heat and critically low humidity, prompting alerts from the Secretariat of Environment and Water Resources (Semarh). Temperatures in some regions are expected to reach 40°C, with humidity levels dropping as low as 10% in cities like Campo Maior.

Semarh attributes this weather pattern to a high-pressure atmospheric system that inhibits cloud formation, leading to increased solar radiation and surface heating. While nights and early mornings are expected to be milder due to radiative heat loss, the daytime conditions pose a significant risk of forest fires and wildfires across the state. The Military Firefighters Corps (CBMEPI) remains on alert to respond to potential outbreaks.