Brazil's first week of winter brought abnormal cold waves and occasional rain across the Southern, Southeast, and Central-West regions [1, 2, 3, 4].
These shifts in weather patterns are significant because they deviate from typical seasonal norms, potentially impacting agriculture and urban infrastructure across three major Brazilian regions.
Forecasts for the period between June 1 and June 7, 2026, indicated a trend of instability [1, 2]. In São Paulo, temperatures were expected to drop to approximately 10 °C during the second week of June [4]. This cold snap coincided with a period of fluctuating conditions in the Southeast, where some areas experienced rainy and overcast skies throughout the weekend [3].
Reports on the specific nature of the precipitation varied by region. While some data indicated a rainy start to the season in São Paulo and its metropolitan area [3], other reports said the weather remained firm and dry across much of the Southern region [2].
One primary report linked these abnormal patterns to the advancement and intensification of the El Niño phenomenon [1]. However, other reporting outlets did not mention El Niño as the driving cause of the current cold and rain [2, 3, 4].
The weather remains volatile as the winter season progresses. The combination of sudden temperature drops and unexpected rainfall continues to affect the Central-West and Southern territories, creating a complex forecast for the start of the month [1, 2].
“Brazil's first week of winter brought abnormal cold waves and occasional rain”
The occurrence of abnormal rain and cold during the onset of winter suggests a disruption in traditional seasonal cycles. If the intensification of El Niño is indeed the primary driver, Brazil may face a winter with higher-than-average precipitation and temperature volatility, which can disrupt crop yields and increase energy demand for heating in the Southern and Southeast regions.
