A significant weather shift is set to impact the interior of São Paulo state, Brazil, this weekend and into next week. The Defesa Civil do Estado de São Paulo has issued an alert for a cold front and a strong polar air mass that will bring powerful winds and a sharp temperature drop across several regions.
The event begins on Friday, with regions including Presidente Prudente, Araçatuba, and Bauru expected to experience wind gusts between 50 km/h and 70 km/h. Areas near the Paraná border, such as Marília and Itapeva, face an even greater threat, with winds potentially reaching 85 km/h. These strong winds pose risks of falling trees and structural damage.
On Saturday, the cold front will advance, triggering more intense rainfall across the Western Paulista region and Marília. The instability will then spread throughout the entire state on Sunday, which is Mother's Day. Isolated storms with lightning and wind gusts up to 50 km/h are forecast, with the heaviest rainfall accumulations, up to 30 mm, expected in the Sorocaba area.
The most dramatic change arrives Sunday night as the polar air mass takes hold. Temperatures will plummet rapidly. Between Monday and Wednesday, the regions of Presidente Prudente, Marília, and Itapeva are forecast to record the state's lowest temperatures, with thermometers dipping below 10°C. Even the capital, São Paulo city, will see a minimum temperature of around 12°C.
In response to the alert, the Defesa Civil has issued safety recommendations for the public. Residents are advised to avoid sheltering under trees or parking vehicles near poles and metallic structures during the high winds. Windows and doors should be kept securely closed. With the intense cold, extra care should be taken for children, the elderly, and pets.
For any emergencies during this weather event, the public can contact the Defesa Civil (199), the Fire Department (193), or the Military Police (190). The alert covers the centro-oeste, oeste, and noroeste paulista regions, as well as Itapetininga and Sorocaba.
Based on reporting from g1.