Scientists underscore the increasing occurrence and severity of extreme weather events worldwide attributed to climate change.
Recently, Brazil encountered an unprecedented heatwave, setting a historic temperature record of 44.8°C (112.6°F) in Araçuaí, located in the southeastern state of Minas Gerais. This extraordinary temperature, observed on a Sunday, is linked to both the El Niño phenomenon and the ongoing impacts of climate change.
Although meteorologists anticipate a slight reprieve from the intense temperatures in the upcoming week, only three state capitals are projected to experience temperatures approaching 40°C, according to information from the National Institute of Meteorology (Inmet) reported by CNN Brasil.
Araçuaí’s temperature of 44.8°C surpasses the previous national record of 44.7°C set in 2005, triggering red alerts across the country a month before the southern hemisphere’s summer onset. The heightened heat has resulted in an unparalleled increase in energy consumption as individuals strive to cope with the extreme conditions and stay cool.
Scientists stress the escalating frequency and intensity of global extreme weather events due to climate change. Specifically, heatwaves are becoming more prolonged and severe—a trend anticipated to persist as long as human activities continue to release greenhouse gases, contributing to the planet’s warming.
Additionally, the Earth is currently undergoing the El Niño weather phase, renowned for raising global temperatures, further amplifying the intensity of this extreme weather event in Brazil.
