Deadly Extratropical Cyclone Hits Brazil Amid Climate Change Concerns
A powerful extratropical cyclone swept across Brazil in December 2025, causing deaths, extensive weather warnings, and highlighting links to climate change.
- • Three deaths in Palhoça, Santa Catarina due to cyclone-related impacts.
- • Nine Brazilian states under weather alerts for heavy rain and strong winds.
- • Meteorologists classify the cyclone as 'high risk' with winds up to 120 km/h.
- • Climatologists link the increased cyclone intensity to Antarctic ice loss and climate change.
Key details
An extratropical cyclone severely impacted several Brazilian states on December 10, 2025, causing fatalities and widespread meteorological alerts. The city of Palhoça in Santa Catarina recorded three deaths following intense rainfall totaling 137 mm in 24 hours. Meteorologists classified the cyclone as "high risk," with wind gusts reaching up to 120 km/h.
The cyclone's effects extended to nine states, including Rio Grande do Sul, Santa Catarina, Paraná, São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro, Minas Gerais, Mato Grosso do Sul, and Goiás. The National Institute of Meteorology issued a red alert for Porto Alegre and southeastern Rio Grande do Sul, warning of heavy rainfall, strong winds possibly exceeding 100 km/h, and risks of sand dune movement impacting coastal constructions. Hydrological alerts for flooding were issued for cities such as Pelotas, Santa Cruz do Sul, Porto Alegre, and Caxias do Sul. Additionally, geologically vulnerable areas faced risks of landslides, notably around Santa Maria and Porto Alegre.
Climatologists link the increasing frequency and intensity of such extratropical cyclones to climate change. José Marengo, a climate specialist at Cemaden, explained that while these cyclones are common in the southern hemisphere, the present intensity is atypical and closely tied to global warming. The reduced sea ice extent in the Antarctic region has contributed to the formation of stronger cyclones, including this "bomb cyclone" characterized by abnormally low atmospheric pressure.
Experts warn that without decisive climate action, such extreme weather events will become more frequent and severe. Strengthening Brazil’s Civil Defense capabilities and enhancing public awareness around climate risks are considered vital steps. This cyclone event underlines the urgent need for a sustained climate agenda to mitigate forthcoming natural disasters.
This article was synthesized and translated from native language sources to provide English-speaking readers with local perspectives.