Rio De Janeiro hits record 62.3 °C (144.14 °F) thermal sensation, Brazil
Image credit: NOAA GOES-East, RAMMB/CIRA, The Watchers. Acquired at 10:30 UTC on March 17, 2024
Guaratiba, a neighborhood on Rio De Janeiro’s west side, recorded a thermal sensation of 62.3 °C (144.14 °F) at 09:55 LT on Sunday, March 17, 2024, marking the highest value since the Rio Alert System’s inception in 2014. The intense heat, exacerbated by high humidity, has led to increased beach and pool attendance amidst reports of water shortages.
The record-breaking figure was confirmed by the Rio Operations Centre (COR). Thermal sensation, as defined in the COR report, is a measure derived from both temperature and relative humidity.
This index is designed to represent how hot the environment feels to humans, factoring in the influence of humidity levels on the perception of temperature. In high humidity conditions, the body’s efficiency in cooling down through sweat evaporation is reduced, leading to an increased sensation of heat.
The geographic characteristics of the Guaratiba region favor high temperatures and relative humidity, especially in the morning, COR said. “The region is humid due to its proximity to the ocean and is usually influenced by hot winds from the north in the morning.”
According to data provided by Weather Underground, the actual temperature in Rio de Janeiro at 10:00 LT on March 17 was recorded at 30 °C (86 °F) with a relative humidity standing at 84%. The wind was blowing from the north at a speed of 11 km/h (7 mph).
The Municipal Health Department urged residents to protect themselves from the intense heat, avoid outdoor activities between 10:00 and 16:00, and stay hydrated.
While many residents sought relief at beaches and swimming pools, some of them voiced concerns over insufficient water supplies for drinking and bathing.
Yesterday’s record of 62.3 °C (144.14 °F) is closely followed by 60.1 °C (140.18 °F) registered at 10:20 LT on March 16, 2024, and 59.7 °C (139.46 °F) at 08:05 on November 18, 2023. The fourth highest reading came in at 59.5 °C (139.1 °F) at 11:45 on January 17, 2024, while the fifth was 59.3 °C (138.74 °F) at 10:20 on November 17, 2023.
References:
1 Pelo segundo dia seguido Rio bate recorde de sensação térmica – Agencia Brasil – March 17, 2024
Teo Blašković founded The Watchers in 2011 and edited it until 2026, covering seismic and volcanic activity, extreme weather, space weather and near-Earth objects. Articles on this page are his archive.
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