A cold front brought sub-zero temperatures and intense rainfall to the South, Southeast, and Center-West regions of Brazil during the early hours of Sunday, May 7, 2026 [1, 2].

This weather system represents a significant shift in regional conditions, as the arrival of intense polar air disrupts typical temperature patterns and increases the risk of flooding from heavy precipitation.

The system has caused temperatures to plummet across several states. In parts of Santa Catarina and Rio Grande do Sul, temperatures may reach as low as -2°C [3]. This drop is attributed to the movement of a cold front that carries intense polar air across the interior of the country [3, 4].

While the most severe cold is concentrated in the South, the Southeast and Center-West regions are also experiencing a sharp decline in temperature accompanied by rain [1, 2]. The atmospheric shift has created a broad zone of instability across the center-south of Brazil, leading to widespread precipitation [5].

Reports on the timing of the front's progression vary across sources. Some reports indicated the front began advancing as early as April 26 [5] or April 27 [6]. However, the most recent data highlights the impact of the freezing temperatures specifically during the early hours of Sunday, May 7 [1, 2].

Local authorities continue to monitor the situation as the polar air mass persists. The combination of heavy rain in the Southeast and freezing conditions in the South creates a complex meteorological scenario for the region [3, 4].

“Temperatures may reach as low as -2°C in areas of Santa Catarina and Rio Grande do Sul.”

The intersection of intense polar air and heavy rainfall across three major Brazilian regions indicates a strong atmospheric instability. When sub-zero temperatures hit the South while the Southeast faces heavy rains, it often signals a deep penetration of Antarctic air masses, which can impact agriculture and public health infrastructure in regions not fully equipped for extreme cold.