Rio Grande do Sul Faces Heatwave Before Severe Storms and 90 km/h Cyclone

Rio Grande do Sul (RS) in southern Brazil is experiencing a 'veranico,' a period of dry, warm weather typically occurring in winter, which is expected to last until the weekend, possibly extending to Monday, August 10th. Temperatures are forecast to be 3°C to 5°C above average for this time of year, with humidity levels potentially dropping below 20%. This warm spell, affecting most of the southern region except the extreme south of RS, precedes a strong cold front and the formation of an extratropical cyclone. The National Institute of Meteorology (Inmet) has issued a yellow warning for the entire state until Wednesday, August 5th, predicting up to 50 millimeters of rain, winds between 40-60 km/h, and possible hail. Isolated thunderstorms are expected on Tuesday, August 4th, with potential for heavy rain, lightning, gusty winds, and hail, particularly in western and northern areas. Wednesday, August 5th, will see a return of sunshine for most regions, though light to moderate rain may persist in eastern and northern parts. The most severe weather is anticipated for Thursday, August 6th, as the cold front and cyclone intensify, bringing severe thunderstorms with heavy rain, lightning, hail, and wind gusts potentially exceeding 90 km/h. These storms will initially impact western and southern areas before moving inland. By Friday, August 7th, the cold front will continue its advance, and the cyclone will strengthen offshore, bringing continued rain in the early morning and significant winds throughout the day, followed by a drop in temperature as a cooler air mass arrives.