The year 2023 was the hottest in the planet’s history and also the hottest on record for Brazil. The average temperature in the country was 24.92 degrees Celsius (°C), 0.69°C above the historical average for 1991–2020, 24.23°C.
According to a survey by the National Institute of Meteorology (Inmet) nine of the 12 months of 2023 had monthly temperature averages above the historical average for 1991–2020, with September standing out as showing the greatest difference between the recorded value and the historical average.
Throughout the year, Brazil faced nine heatwave episodes, reflecting the impacts of the El Niño phenomenon, which tends to favor rising temperatures across the planet.
In addition, the institute reported, other factors have contributed to the occurrence of increasingly extreme events, like the increase in the global temperature of the Earth’s surface and the oceans.
After analyzing the deviations in average annual temperatures in Brazil from 1961 to 2023, the authority found a statistically significant upward trend in temperatures over the years, which may be linked to climate change as a result of rising global temperatures and local environmental changes.
The trend continues into 2024
Rio de Janeiro experienced its second-hottest day of the 2023-2024 summer on Thursday morning (Jan. 11), with temperatures reaching 53.4°C, as reported by local authorities.
The hottest day of the summer remains December 25, Christmas Day, when temperatures soared to 55°C.
Given the forecast for continued intense heat, if you are taveling to Rio de Janeiro in the following weeks, City authorities advise the public to stay hydrated, wear lightweight clothing, and use sunscreen.
Source: Agência Brasil