Inmet Issues Orange Storm Alert as February Begins with High Heat and Rain in Brazil
Inmet has issued an orange alert for widespread storms and heavy rains in Brazil as February begins with high temperatures and localized intense rainfall events.
- • Inmet issues orange alert for storms in 16 states until January 31, 2026.
- • Southern and Southeastern regions, including Curitiba and São Paulo, most affected by heavy rains and cyclone.
- • February forecast predicts above-average temperatures with mixed rain patterns, and dry spells in many areas.
- • Emergency response in Mogi das Cruzes addresses flooding from heavy rains with 43 occurrences in two hours.
Key details
The National Institute of Meteorology (Inmet) issued an orange alert on January 30, 2026, warning of storms and heavy rains across 16 Brazilian states until the end of January 31. This alert signals dangerous weather conditions affecting regions including Amazonas, Pará, Rondônia, the Federal District, Mato Grosso do Sul, Mato Grosso, Tocantins, Goiás, Bahia, Espírito Santo, Minas Gerais, Rio de Janeiro, São Paulo, Paraná, Rio Grande do Sul, and Santa Catarina. The eastern south region, particularly cities such as Curitiba, Joinville, Florianópolis, and Porto Alegre, are expected to face severe impacts. The Midwest, including Goiânia and Brasília, and much of Amazonas state are also at risk. In Bahia, the southern area near Vitória da Conquista is under significant threat. Additionally, a cyclone forming off the Southeast coast is responsible for heavy rainfall in São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro, and southern Minas Gerais, with rainfall exceeding 100 mm in some places.
February's weather in Brazil starts off hot with above-average temperatures predicted nationwide. Meteorologists forecast mostly dry spells interrupted by localized heavy rains, especially in the North and parts of the Southeast. While the Central-West and South regions are expected to receive below-average rainfall, areas like southern Minas Gerais, central-northern São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro, and central-northern Espírito Santo may see organized rainfall thanks to the South Atlantic Convergence Zone (ZCAS) which channels moisture northward.
The absence of typical climate influencers like El Niño or La Niña means temperatures remain unseasonably high, with meteorologist César Soares highlighting potential heat waves later in the month due to dry air masses reducing cold fronts and prolonged rains. This pattern is consistent with current observations of intense rainfall events.
In Mogi das Cruzes, near São Paulo, emergency services mobilized nearly 100 workers to respond to over 95 mm of rain falling within two hours on January 28, the equivalent of two weeks' rainfall. Their efforts resulted in 43 emergency responses addressing flooding, fallen trees, and drainage issues as part of the ongoing 'Operação Verão.' Social services also supported 61 affected individuals with emergency supplies. Continued monitoring showed more rainfall on January 29 but no new emergencies.
Authorities urge residents in affected regions to stay alert, follow safety guidelines, and monitor weather updates, given the ongoing risk from storms and heavy rains in the coming days.
This article was translated and synthesized from Brazilian sources, providing English-speaking readers with local perspectives.
