The year 2023 was the hottest in the history of the planet and also the hottest ever recorded in Brazil. The average temperature in the country was 24.92 degrees Celsius (°C), 0.69°C above the historical average of 1991–2020, which was 24.23°C.
According to a survey by the National Institute of Meteorology (Inmet), nine of the 12 months of 2023 had monthly average temperatures above the historical average of 1991-2020, with September standing out for showing the greatest difference between the recorded value and the historical average.
Throughout the year, Brazil faced nine episodes of heatwaves, reflecting the impacts of the El Niño phenomenon, which tends to favor rising temperatures worldwide.
Additionally, the institute reported that other factors have contributed to the occurrence of increasingly extreme events, such as the rise in global surface temperatures and ocean temperatures.
After analyzing the differences in annual average temperatures in Brazil from 1961 to 2023, the agency found a statistically significant trend of increasing 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 in 2024
Rio de Janeiro experienced its second hottest day of the summer 2023-2024 on the morning of Thursday (January 11), with temperatures reaching 53.4°C, according to local authorities.
The hottest day of the summer remains December 25, Christmas Day, when temperatures soared to 55°C.
Given the forecast of continued intense heat, if you travel to Rio de Janeiro in the coming weeks, municipal authorities advise the population to stay hydrated, wear light clothing, and use sunscreen.
Source: Agência Brasil