The average temperature for the year was 25.02°C, an increase of 0.79°C compared to the historical average of 24.23°C; Civil Defense is on alert for possible extreme weather events in the coming days
The year 2024 went down in history as the hottest year since measurements began in 1961, according to the National Institute of Meteorology (). Last year’s average temperature was 25.02°C, marking an increase of 0.79°C compared to the historical average of 24.23°C. This significant increase puts 2024 at the top of heat records for the last 63 years, surpassing the previous record of 2023, which had already recorded an increase of 0.69°C. Rising temperatures have been a trend since 2016, with warmer years becoming more and more frequent. This phenomenon is strongly associated with periods of , which influenced the climate in Brazil in both 2023 and 2024.
During these years, the country faced several heat waves, contributing to the increase in annual averages. Furthermore, Inmet reported that from June 2023 to September 2024, the global average temperature exceeded any previous record for 16 consecutive months. This sequence of intense heat is an indication that the trend is likely to continue, with the beginning of 2025 already marked by typical summer days, characterized by high temperatures and forecast storms. Civil Defense is on alert for possible extreme weather events in the coming days.
The impact of these climate changes is felt in several areas, from agriculture to public health. High temperatures affect agricultural production, increasing evaporation and reducing the availability of water for irrigation. In health, extreme heat can lead to an increase in heat-related illnesses such as dehydration and heatstroke.
*With information from Beatriz Manfredini