Rio de Janeiro experiences heat index of 62.3C

A scorching heatwave engulfing Brazil has broken new ground, with Rio de Janeiro experiencing a heat index of 62.3 degrees Celsius (144.1 degrees Fahrenheit), marking the highest level in a decade, as confirmed by weather authorities.

The heat index, which factors in humidity to determine how hot it feels, reached its peak on Sunday at 09:55 am (12:55 GMT) in western Rio, setting a new record since Alerta Rio began tracking such data in 2014. Despite the actual maximum temperature hitting 42°C on Monday, according to the Rio Alert weather system.

With Ipanema and Copacabana beaches bustling with visitors, authorities issued guidance on managing the extreme heat. Concerns about worsening conditions were voiced by 49-year-old administrative assistant Raquel Correia, who expressed apprehension about the rising population and extensive deforestation contributing to the situation, lamenting in a central Rio park.

The prior heat index record, established in November, stood at 59.7°C (139.5°F).

Meanwhile, severe rainfall wreaked havoc in the southern regions of the country, with forecasts indicating a continuation of these extreme conditions into the following week, as per authorities.

“The upcoming week poses significant risks in the center-south of Brazil due to heavy rains and storms. Of particular concern is a potent cold front expected to bring torrential downpours and potential gales,” warned the weather information agency MetSul