An unseasonal warm spell known as a "veranico" is raising temperatures above typical winter averages across several Brazilian states [1, 2].
This weather phenomenon disrupts the seasonal norm in the Southern and Central-West regions, creating potential health risks due to extreme dryness and heat during the winter months.
The Instituto Nacional de Meteorologia (INMET) and regional weather services said that a warm air mass, or heat bubble, is moving over the region [1, 2]. This system began impacting the area during the week of June 20, 2026 [3].
In Belo Horizonte, forecasts indicated maximum temperatures could reach 32°C [4]. The INMET said the veranico can raise temperatures up to 32°C, with a risk of dehydration and alerts regarding humidity for public health [4].
The heat bubble has also extended into Rio Grande do Sul, where temperatures are expected to exceed 30°C [1]. The phenomenon has persisted throughout the season, with reports indicating the veranico was still maintaining heat and dry air in the Centro-Sul region as of July 21, 2026 [5].
Meteorologists said that the spell affects a wide area, including São Paulo and the broader Centro-Sul region [2, 3]. The shift in temperature is characterized by a significant departure from the expected cold winter patterns typically seen in these latitudes during June and July.
“O veranico pode elevar as temperaturas até 32°C, com risco de desidratação e alerta de umidade para a saúde.”
The occurrence of a veranico during the winter months indicates a significant atmospheric anomaly that challenges local infrastructure and public health. By pushing temperatures above 30°C in regions like Rio Grande do Sul and Minas Gerais during the coldest quarter of the year, these heat bubbles increase the risk of dehydration and respiratory issues due to low humidity, while potentially disrupting agricultural cycles adapted to winter cooling.
