The Coordenadoria Municipal de Defesa Civil de São Paulo issued health alerts and declared a state of attention due to dangerously low air humidity.
These measures are critical because extreme dryness increases the risk of respiratory issues and dehydration for the city's population. Officials said residents should prioritize hydration and limit outdoor activities during the hottest and driest periods of the day.
The state of attention was first decreed on the morning of July 17 [3]. Subsequent alerts were issued on Sunday, July 19 [2], as humidity levels continued to fluctuate at critical levels. According to reported data, the relative humidity of the air dropped to approximately 29% [1].
City officials said the alerts serve to orient the public on how to mitigate the effects of the dry spell. Residents are advised to increase water intake and avoid strenuous exercise outdoors when the air is most dry, a common occurrence during the winter months in the region.
The municipal government continues to monitor atmospheric conditions to determine when the state of attention can be lifted. The focus remains on public health safety and preventing a surge in hospitalizations related to respiratory distress caused by the lack of moisture in the air.
“The relative humidity of the air dropped to approximately 29%.”
The declaration of a state of attention reflects the growing vulnerability of urban centers like Sao Paulo to extreme weather fluctuations. By linking low humidity directly to public health alerts, the city is attempting to reduce the burden on its healthcare system during seasonal dry spells that can exacerbate chronic respiratory conditions.
