Campos do Jordão hits 1.3 °C record low as Brazil endures severe cold spell

On the early morning of 15 July 2026, the high‑altitude resort of Campos do Jordão in São Paulo recorded a temperature of 1.3 °C, the lowest observed in the state for the year and a new record after an earlier 2.1 °C reading on 12 May. The extreme chill produced a widespread frost that coated cars, gardens and vegetation.

The cold front spread across the state, with other municipalities such as Itapira (3.2 °C), São Luiz do Paraitinga (4.2 °C) and the capital registering minima near 10 °C. São Paulo’s civil defence re‑activated its “Cold Weather Operation,” opening shelters in Metro stations and setting up tents with food and blankets for vulnerable residents.

Similar polar air masses affected neighbouring states. In Minas Gerais, the Itatiaia National Park recorded -11 °C, the lowest temperature of the year, while cities in the Sul de Minas region saw sub‑zero readings and extensive frost. Belo Horizonte marked its fourth coldest day with a minimum of 10 °C and a wind‑chill of -6.4 °C. Forecasts indicate the cold front is weakening, with temperatures expected to rise gradually later in the week.