São Paulo records heaviest September rainfall since 1943

São Paulo is experiencing its wettest September since records began in 1943. According to the National Institute of Meteorology, rainfall in the capital reached 253.8 mm by Monday, September 14, significantly exceeding the monthly average of 83.3 mm.

The extreme weather has caused severe consequences across the state. At least three deaths have been reported in São Bernardo do Campo, Itaquaquecetuba, and Jandira, with two people still missing. Six cities, including Eldorado, Registro, and Piracaia, have declared states of emergency. In the Ribeira Valley, approximately 2,000 people have been affected by the storms.

Other regions have also seen record-breaking precipitation. Campinas recorded 257.2 mm, more than triple its monthly average, while São José dos Campos saw levels 2.1 times higher than usual. While the heavy rains have increased the useful volume of the Cantareira System from 33% to 39.6%, the reservoir remains in an alert phase.

Authorities are managing risks of landslides and flooding due to saturated soil. Emergency measures include distributing medicine to prevent leptospirosis and providing sodium hypochlorite to families for water treatment. Forecasts indicate a gradual weakening of the system, though a cold front may bring moderate to heavy rain over the weekend.