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Discover How The Heat Wave Is Raising The Feels-Like Temperature, Which Regions Will Be Most Affected, And How To Protect Yourself From High Temperatures.
The intense heat wave affecting the Southeast, Central-West, and Northeast regions of Brazil since Wednesday (12) has caused extreme temperatures and led experts to debate the impacts of this phenomenon on the climate and the feels-like temperature.
According to forecasts from Climatempo, this condition is expected to persist until at least February 21, with thermometers possibly reaching up to 40 ºC in states like Rio de Janeiro, Minas Gerais, Bahia, Pernambuco, and Piauí.
Speculation About The Feels-Like Temperature Of 70 °C
Given the elevated temperatures and high humidity in some regions, speculation has arisen about the possibility of a feels-like temperature reaching an impressive 70 ºC in Brazil.
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However, consulted meteorologists state that, although the Applied Climatology table from the University of São Paulo (USP) indicates this theoretical possibility, the practical occurrence of this phenomenon is highly unlikely.
According to Maria Clara Sassaki, spokesperson for Tempo OK, the feels-like temperature is calculated based on the temperature and relative humidity recorded at the same time.
That is, the combination of high daytime temperatures with maximum humidity levels, usually observed at night or in the early morning, should not be used to determine the feels-like temperature of a location.
Josélia Pegorim, a meteorologist from Climatempo, reinforces that during the afternoons, when temperatures reach their peaks, humidity levels tend to drop.
This reduces the feels-like temperature, preventing extreme values like those mentioned in the projection of USP’s table.
How Humidity Influences Temperature Perception?
Air humidity plays a fundamental role in feels-like temperature, as it interferes with how the human body regulates its temperature.
In hot and dry climates, sweating becomes more effective, allowing the body to cool down more quickly.
In hot and humid environments, sweat evaporates more slowly, causing an even higher feels-like temperature.
Pedro Côrtes, a professor at USP, highlights that for a feels-like temperature of 70 ºC to occur, an extreme scenario of high temperature combined with very high humidity would be necessary, something considered highly unlikely under the current weather conditions in Brazil.
Possibility Of Heat Records
With the continuation of the heat wave, capitals such as São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro, Belo Horizonte, and Vitória may record heat records for 2025 and even for the summer season.
According to Climatempo, thermometers in São Paulo could reach 35ºC, while in Rio de Janeiro, the forecast indicates up to 39ºC.
In Belo Horizonte and Vitória, the expectation is for similar highs between February 13 and 14.
Heat Wave And Essential Care
The World Meteorological Organization classifies a heat wave when temperatures remain at least 5ºC above the historical average for five consecutive days.
During periods of extreme heat, it is crucial to adopt preventive measures to avoid health problems:
Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water throughout the day;
Avoid prolonged exposure to the sun between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.;
Wear light and light-colored clothing;
Seek airy places and, if possible, air-conditioned ones.
With the forecast of more days of elevated temperatures, the population should double down on precautions to minimize the impacts of the heat wave and avoid health risks.
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