Rio Grande do Sul braces for sharp temperature drop and freezing rain

Following a period of disruptive rainfall and flooding, particularly in the northern regions of Rio Grande do Sul, the Brazilian state is now anticipating a significant drop in temperature. Weather forecasts indicate that precipitation will give way to freezing conditions, with the possibility of frozen rain in areas like Campos de Cima da Serra, including municipalities such as Vacaria and Cambará do Sul. While snow was previously considered a possibility, it has since been ruled out by meteorologists. The National Institute of Meteorology (Inmet) has issued a danger alert for a temperature decline exceeding 5°C across the entire state. This alert also warns of intensified winds along the coastal regions, from north to south, which could lead to sand dune movement affecting structures. Several cities, including Candiota, Pinheiro Machado, Quaraí, Santana do Livramento, Bagé, Canguçu, and Dom Pedrito, may experience sub-zero temperatures. Other locations like Rosário do Sul, Barra do Quaraí, and Encruzilhada do Sul could register temperatures around 0°C. In Porto Alegre, the Civil Defense has issued a preventive hydrological warning until Sunday, May 5th, due to the potential rise in the Guaíba River's water level, as rainwater from the north and northwest regions may flow into the capital. Despite the general trend towards cold, some cities like Nova Petrópolis, Caxias do Sul, Tapes, Farroupilha, and São Francisco de Paula might still experience light rain.