Sao Paulo and Rio de Janeiro are alert to ‘intense heat’ and with temperatures bordering on 40º C

A new wave of heat has generated concerns in and in. This Sunday (16), the Civil Defense of the State of São Paulo issued an alert for high temperatures throughout the state territory. The forecast indicates that the performance of a hot air mass will increase the feeling of heat and muffle in several regions until at least Wednesday (19) with thermometers reaching 38ºC, in the regions of Itapeva and the Ribeira Valley. Already in Baixada Santista and in the regions of São José dos Campos, Araçatuba, Marília and Presidente Prudente, it is expected that the thermometers will hit 36 ​​° C. In the North Coast and in the regions of Bauru and Araraquara, the forecast is temperatures of up to 35 ° C. In the Paraíba Valley and in the regions of Presidente Prudente, Barretos and Franca, 34 ° C. Finally, in the metropolitan region of the state capital and in the regions of Sorocaba and Campinas, 33 ° C.

The special meteorological bulletin, which cites an “intense heat” in the state, was issued through the Emergency Management Center (CGE). Given this scenario, Civil Defense recommends that the population avoid sun exposure at the hottest times of the day, especially from 10am to 4pm, and use sunscreen, caps or hats, as well as light and comfortable clothes. “It is also essential to maintain constant hydration, drinking plenty of water throughout the day, and to avoid intense outdoor physical activity during the highest heat. In addition, it is important to keep the environments well ventilated and refresh themselves whenever possible, ”he says.

The organ also warns that elderly and children require special attention, as they are more vulnerable to the effects of heat than people in other age groups. “It is essential to ensure that they are always well hydrated, in airy and protected places of the sun,” says the Civil Defense, which also recalls that care should also be extended to pets. The guidance is to keep pets in shaded places and offer fresh water throughout the day. “Tours should be done at the cooler times, preferably in the early morning or late afternoon, to avoid burns on the paws due to the hot ground,” he says. “Never leave animals inside parked vehicles as internal temperature can rise rapidly and cause risk of death.”

In Rio de Janeiro, thermometers promise even higher maximums. In the coming days the states of having temperatures of 41º C, something unprecedented this year. According to Climatempo, the temperature should reach 40 ° C on Monday, 17, and reach 43 ° C on Tuesday. “We have a huge possibility of reaching the heat level 4,” said Mayor Eduardo Paes. The so -called NC 4 is the fourth largest stage at the levels of a protocol created by the city to prevent the risks of intense heat. When the temperature is between 40 and 44 ° C for at least three consecutive days, the population is oriented to change routines to protect themselves from the impacts of the heat wave.

These high temperatures happen at a time when the city adjusts the last details to receive carnival, but the mayor does not foresee the cancellation of blocks, and asked revelers to “drink more water, hydrate better.” “If you go to the block, drink water, pass protector, don’t stay where you can get sick,” Paes said. There is no rain forecast in the coming days and, if NC 4 is confirmed, the points of cooling, with health posts and the ways of knowledge (education nuclei), with air conditioning, will be open to the population. The municipal network should transfer the outdoor exercises to covered places.

At level 4, there is a possibility of cancellation or resettlement of medium and large events held on outside areas, such as block parades, but the mayor said he hoped organizers will guarantee the hydration of revelers. According to the National Institute of Meteorology (Inmet), the hot and dry air mass that has been acting since the last days in the Southeast, gains strength from this Sunday, with temperatures that can exceed more than 5 degrees the climatological average. A high pressure system acts near Rio de Janeiro, leaving the time more stable, with a drop in relative humidity to less than 30%. This condition aggravates the thermal sensation.

Understand risk levels

NC1: In this first level there is no forecast of high heat rates. The city continues with its normal routine.

NC2: When there is a forecast or registration of high heat rates (36 to 40 ° C) for one or two consecutive days. At this level information will be disseminated on the symptoms of heat exposure and guidelines with technical support from the Health Department.

NC3: It happens when there is a record of high heat rates with high temperatures (36 to 40 ° C) for at least three consecutive days. Communication is made about care more intensely.

NC4: When there is a record of very high heat indices (40 to 44 ° C) with a permanence forecast or increase for at least three consecutive days. The population will be oriented to adapt their routine to extreme heat. Public equipment with air conditioning will be used as cooling points. The offer of hydration stations with water distribution in places of reception of the most vulnerable populations will be expanded. Great events can be postponed. External activities will be transferred to shaded places.

NC5: The maximum alert level is for when there is extreme heat (above 44 ° C), with a permanence forecast for at least three consecutive days. At this level, risk activities will be interrupted. There will be a release of weather bulletins every six hours, as well as an epidemiological bulletin within 72 hours. The municipal units will be opened as cooling points. Medium and large events will be postponed, work and outdoor activities in schools will be suspended. The actions will be guided by the Protocol Development Committee for extreme heat confrontation.

*With information from Estadão Content
Posted by Sarah Paula