A major weather system developing off the coast of Argentina is forcing Brazilian authorities to prepare for severe conditions. The National Institute of Meteorology (Inmet) has issued two separate gale-force wind warnings, impacting a vast swath of the country. The alerts cover more than 1,000 municipalities across the South, Southeast, and Center-West regions, effective this Friday, May 8.
The warnings are directly linked to a strong extratropical cyclone forming near the province of Buenos Aires. Meteorologists from Climatempo indicate this system could undergo rapid intensification, a phenomenon known as a 'bomb cyclone.' While the core of the cyclone is not forecast to pass over any Brazilian state, its effects will be felt through a significant pressure difference that generates powerful winds.
Inmet has classified the primary warning as a 'danger' level, the second-highest on its three-tier scale. This alert affects 818 municipalities, including large areas of Rio Grande do Sul and southern Santa Catarina. It forecasts wind gusts ranging from 60 to 100 kilometers per hour, posing risks of fallen trees, roof damage, and harm to structures and crops. This warning is in effect from midnight to 23:59 on Friday.
A second warning, categorized as 'potential danger,' extends to an additional 234 municipalities. This alert predicts gusts between 40 and 60 kilometers per hour, with a lower risk of branch breakage. It takes effect at noon on Friday and covers major metropolitan areas including São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro, and regions in Paraná, Minas Gerais, Goiás, Mato Grosso, and Mato Grosso do Sul.
Specific regions under the 'potential danger' alert include key areas in São Paulo state such as Campinas, Piracicaba, Ribeirão Preto, and the Paraíba Valley. In Minas Gerais, the Triângulo Mineiro and Alto Paranaíba are included. The Pantanal region in Mato Grosso do Sul is also within the warning zone.
Experts note that the wind gusts can occur even in clear, rain-free conditions, a phenomenon known as 'dry gusts.' The most intense impacts of the cyclone, including very strong winds, are expected to be concentrated in Argentina and Uruguay. For Brazil, the primary effect will be this atmospheric pressure variation driving the strong winds.
This weather event is associated with a cold front moving through Brazil between May 8 and 11, bringing the first significant cold wave of the year. A mass of polar air is expected to cause a sharp temperature drop in the South, parts of the Southeast, and the Center-West, with the cold snap also reaching areas of Acre, Rondônia, and southern Amazonas.
Inmet advises the public to avoid sheltering under trees during gusts, not to park vehicles near transmission towers or large signs, and to remain in sheltered locations. For emergencies, citizens can contact Civil Defense (199) or the Fire Department (193). Based on reporting from g1.