METRO, by Hiyah Zaidi: Soaring humidity in Brazil has sent the heat index to a scorching 62.3C in the capital Rio de Janeiro.
The suffocating temperatures have been called the ‘highest mark’ since Alerta Rio, the Rio Alert system, began keeping records in 2014.
The heat index measures what temperatures feel like by taking into account humidity – the actual maximum temperature in the city was 42C.
Such high temperatures have put the country on high-alert for heat-related health risks.
The 62.3C high was recorded in western Rio at 9.55am local time – or 12.55 GMT – on Sunday as people flocked to the Ipanema and Copacabana beaches.
Authorities have been sharing tips on how to cope with the heat.
The new record smashes the previous figures of 59.7C, set just months ago in November.
Beachgoer Eduardo Alves de Castro said: ‘It is worrying because we wonder how far this is going, where it’s heading.
‘We are in a very privileged place, here in front of the beach, water, you cool off, but there are people in a much less favourable situation and who are much more impacted by this heatwave.
‘But the worry is that there’s no end to it.’
Photos show the beaches packed as people look for respite from the stifling heat, and some residents have claimed there is not enough water to either drink or bathe in as the heatwave continues.
Guaratiba, a neighbourhood in the west of Rio de Janeiro, is prone to high temperatures due to its proximity to the ocean and warm northerly winds hitting the area.
Extreme weather continues to plague the country and is forecasted to continue next week, according to authorities.
Weather information agency MetSul warned: ‘The week will be of very high risk in the centre-south of Brazil due to intense rains and storms.
‘The most worrisome system is a very intense cold front that will arrive with torrential rains and possible gales.’
Our Comment:
Could this be a little preview of what it could be like during the fourth plague?
Prophetic Link:
“And the fourth angel poured out his vial upon the sun; and power was given unto him to scorch men with fire. And men were scorched with great heat, and blasphemed the name of God, which hath power over these plagues: and they repented not to give him glory.” Revelation 16:8, 9