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 for 1991–2020, which is 24.23°C.
According to a survey by the National Institute of Meteorology (Inmet), nine of the 12 months in 2023 had monthly average temperatures above the historical average for 1991–2020, with September standing out for showing the largest difference between the recorded value and the historical average.
Throughout the year, Brazil faced nine episodes of heat waves, reflecting the impacts of the El Niño phenomenon, which tends to favor the increase in temperatures worldwide.
Additionally, the institute reported that other factors contributed to the occurrence of increasingly extreme events, such as the rise in global surface temperatures and ocean temperatures.
After analyzing the deviations in annual average temperatures in Brazil from 1961 to 2023, the authority found a statistically significant trend of increasing temperatures over the years, which may be linked to climate changes resulting from 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 Thursday morning (January 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 of ongoing intense heat, if you are traveling to Rio de Janeiro in the coming weeks, city authorities advise the public to stay hydrated, wear light clothing, and use sunscreen.
Source: Agência Brasil