São Paulo Faces Record Heat on Christmas Eve Amid Southeast's Dry Summer Forecast
São Paulo is expected to hit record high temperatures on Christmas Eve amid a high-pressure system causing dry, hot weather across the Southeast region.
- • São Paulo may reach up to 35°C on December 24, potentially breaking the year's heat record.
- • A high-pressure system is driving dry weather and intense heat across the Southeast region.
- • Rio de Janeiro could experience temperatures as high as 38°C, with Belo Horizonte and Vitória reaching 32°C to 34°C.
- • The Southeast, including Minas Gerais, is forecasted to have below-average rainfall this summer, contributing to the heat.
Key details
São Paulo is on track to experience record-breaking heat on December 24, with temperatures potentially reaching or exceeding 35°C. This prediction comes as a high-pressure system over the Southeast region causes dry weather and intense sunshine, significantly reducing rainfall. The current annual record stands at 35.1°C, set on October 6, and the forecast suggests it could be matched or surpassed just before Christmas.
Other cities in the Southeast also expect similar weather patterns. Rio de Janeiro may see temperatures soar to 38°C, while Belo Horizonte and Vitória are likely to reach highs between 32°C and 34°C. This heat wave is driven by the region's irregular rainfall pattern this summer, marked by prolonged dry spells.
The broader summer outlook for Brazil, beginning December 21 and extending through March 20, 2026, anticipates varied precipitation across regions. The North, Central-West, and South are projected to experience above-average rainfall, particularly in northern and western parts. In contrast, the Southeast, including São Paulo, is expected to have below-average precipitation, with Minas Gerais being notably affected by reduced rainfall. Such dry conditions contribute to the extreme heat buildup.
Meteorologists highlight the trend toward intense sunshine and limited rainfall in the Southeast, underscoring the unusual climatic behavior expected this summer amid the broader national pattern of mixed rainfall distribution.
This article was synthesized and translated from native language sources to provide English-speaking readers with local perspectives.
