A significant weather alert has been issued for the Brazilian state of Paraná, with the National Institute of Meteorology (Inmet) placing 127 cities under a yellow warning for potential danger from severe storms. The alert, active for Thursday, forecasts intense rainfall, powerful winds, and the possibility of hail, with the most impacted areas expected to be the Oeste and Sudoeste regions.
According to the official forecast, the storms could produce rainfall accumulations between 20 and 30 millimeters per hour. Wind gusts are anticipated to reach speeds of up to 60 kilometers per hour. The advisory also highlights a lower but present risk of secondary effects, including potential power outages, broken tree limbs, localized flooding, and damage to agricultural crops.
The atmospheric instability driving this weather event is linked to the advance of a cold front moving through southern Brazil. The Paraná Environmental Technology and Monitoring System (Simepar) indicates that the period of greatest instability will span from late Thursday evening into the early hours of Friday morning. The initial wave of rainfall is predicted to sweep through the western and southwestern parts of the state, with the most intense activity expected near the city of Foz do Iguaçu.
Despite the looming threat of severe weather, much of the state continues to experience warm and muggy conditions. Temperatures in the North and Northwest regions are soaring above 30 degrees Celsius. Cities such as Paranavaí and Jacarezinho are forecast to see maximum temperatures reaching 31 degrees Celsius. In other areas, daytime highs will remain above 24 degrees Celsius, with a mix of sun and clouds during the morning hours.
The shift to more turbulent weather is expected to become pronounced from the afternoon onward. This is when the areas of instability associated with the approaching cold front are forecast to intensify and expand their reach. Residents in the affected zones are advised to stay updated on the latest warnings and take necessary precautions.
The comprehensive list of the 127 municipalities included in the Inmet alert covers a vast geographic area, underscoring the widespread nature of the weather system. The alert serves as a critical reminder for communities, emergency services, and agricultural operations to prepare for potentially disruptive conditions over the next 24 hours.
Based on reporting from g1.