# Extreme weather and wildfire risk in Palmas and Amazon > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/extreme-weather-and-wildfire-risk-in-palmas > Updated: 2026-09-23T13:01:12.000Z. Sources: 38. Developments: 3. Authorities in Palmas, Tocantins, have intensified monitoring due to extreme heat and critically low humidity levels. The National Institute of Meteorology issued an orange alert, noting that humidity levels could drop below 20% while temperatures reach up to 39°C. These conditions, linked to El Niño, have increased the risk of forest fires and respiratory or skin health issues. Since the preceding Saturday, officials have responded to nine fire incidents, with smoke visible in several urban areas due to low wind speeds. In response, the Palmas City Hall issued a decree to temporarily reduce working hours for urban cleaning staff from September 26 to October 31, 2026, limiting shifts to six hours daily to minimize exposure to solar radiation. The broader Amazon region is experiencing a similar environmental crisis. In Manaus, temperatures reached a yearly high of 38.6°C on September 22, 2026. Air quality has reached ‘very poor’ status, with fine particle concentrations (MP2.5) hitting 188.5 µg/m³ in the Industrial District I, exceeding safety thresholds. Health authorities (Semsa) have advised vulnerable groups, such as children, the elderly, and pregnant women, to limit outdoor activities and use masks. This deterioration is driven by smoke from widespread wildfires. Firefighting authorities noted that the number of registered fires in the region increased by more than 300 percent in September compared to the previous year. Most of these fires are attributed to human activity, such as agricultural land clearing and discarded cigarettes. Additionally, river levels are dropping significantly; the Rio Negro at the Port of Manaus fell to 21.26 meters in mid-September, more than three meters below last year’s level. To combat the fire risk, a 120-day ban on targeted agricultural burning has been in effect in Amazonas since September 9. Recent data indicates the crisis is being driven by a ‘Super El Niño’ phenomenon. ## Claims - Manaus recorded a temperature of 38.6°C on Tuesday, September 22, 2026. (corroborated by 14 sources) - The number of registered fires in the region increased by more than 300% in September compared to the previous year. (corroborated by 9 sources) - The municipal health authority Semsa classified the air quality in Manaus as very bad. (corroborated by 9 sources) - The Ministry of Health attributes the current weather conditions to the El Niño phenomenon. (corroborated by 9 sources) - A 120-day ban on targeted agricultural burning has been in effect in Amazonas since September 9. (corroborated by 9 sources) - Nearly all the fires in the region are caused by human activity, including land clearing and discarded cigarettes. (corroborated by 5 sources) - Researchers estimate 451,000 heat-related deaths globally during the first nine months of the phenomenon. (corroborated by 5 sources) - Global land temperatures could be about 1.2 °C above normal in the coming months. (corroborated by 5 sources) ## Timeline ### 2026-09-23: Super El Niño projected to cause 451,000 global heat deaths Super El Niño is projected to cause 451,000 global heat-related deaths, with Brazil facing 13,300. Meanwhile, Amazonas faces severe droughts, record heat, and increased forest fires. 21 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/manaus-faces-smoke-crisis-from-surging-amazon-wildfires ### 2026-09-21: Amazon region faces extreme heat and wildfire crisis Extreme heat and wildfires are impacting the Amazon, with Manaus recording 38.6°C and severe air pollution. El Niño is driving drought and increased fire risks across the region, including Palmas. 21 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/palmas-authorities-increase-monitoring-amid-extreme-heat-and-low-humidity ### 2026-09-16: Palmas and Palmital host community service and employment events Municipalities in Brazil are hosting community service events: Palmas is providing free health, culture, and sports activities, while Palmital held a job fair to connect residents with local employers. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/palmas-and-palmital-host-community-service-and-employment-events --- Cite as: Extreme weather and wildfire risk in Palmas and Amazon. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/extreme-weather-and-wildfire-risk-in-palmas