Brazil's Meteorological Institute (Inmet, in Portuguese) warns that towns and cities in the state of Rio de Janeiro are likely to face a heat wave until Sunday (5). Temperatures 5°C above average can cause health risks.
According to Agência Brasil, the institute forecasted a maximum temperature of 37ºC for the state of Rio on Thursday (2). On Friday (3), the day should get even hotter, with a maximum of 38ºC.
In addition to Rio de Janeiro, six other Brazilian states are affected by an even more severe heat wave, which began on April 27 and is expected to last until early Saturday evening: Minas Gerais, São Paulo, Goiás, Mato Grosso, Mato Grosso do Sul and Paraná.
Low humidity level
The Rio Alert System of Rio de Janeiro's city hall reported that the relative humidity forecast is low. It was between 21% and 30% in some parts of the city on Thursday afternoon.
The administration's advice to the population is to drink plenty of water, opt for light food, use a saline solution in the eyes and nose to prevent dryness and apply sunscreen.
Brasil de Fato