Summer Heat Wave in South America
In February 2025, an area of high pressure parked over the southern Atlantic Ocean, causing temperatures to soar in parts of South America. In Brazil, the heat led officials in Rio Grande do Sul to delay the start of school and people in Rio de Janeiro to flock to the beach.
The summer heat wave is depicted on this map, which shows air temperatures modeled at 2 meters (6.5 feet) above the ground on February 17. It was produced by combining satellite observations with temperatures predicted by a version of the GEOS (Goddard Earth Observing System) model, which uses mathematical equations to represent physical processes in the atmosphere. The darkest reds indicate areas where temperatures reached or exceeded 38 degrees Celsius (100 degrees Fahrenheit).
The city of Rio de Janeiro saw especially warm conditions on February 17. According to news reports, a weather station in the Guaratiba neighborhood recorded temperatures of up to 44°C that day(111°F)—the hottest temperature measured since the development of the city’s climate alert system 10 years ago.
Brazil’s National Institute of Meteorology (INMET) noted several other municipalities across the state of Rio de Janeiro where temperatures exceeded 40°C (104°F) on February 17, such as Silva Jardim, which hit 42°C (108°F). The region’s heat wave continued through the week before returning closer to normal as the focus of the heat shifted south into Argentina.
Heat was already evident in northern Argentina on February 17, when the country’s National Weather Service (SMN-Arg) reported highs reaching up to 40°C. As of February 27, SMN-Arg noted that six provinces were under a red-level (very dangerous) alert for extreme heat.
NASA Earth Observatory image by Michala Garrison, using GEOS-5 data from the Global Modeling and Assimilation Office. Story by Kathryn Hansen.
You may also like...
Diddy's Legal Troubles & Racketeering Trial

Music mogul Sean 'Diddy' Combs was acquitted of sex trafficking and racketeering charges but convicted on transportation...
Thomas Partey Facing Rape & Sexual Assault Charges

Former Arsenal midfielder Thomas Partey has been formally charged with multiple counts of rape and sexual assault by UK ...
Nigerian University Admission Policy Changes

JAMB has clarified its admission policies, rectifying a student's status, reiterating the necessity of its Central Admis...
Ghana's Economic Reforms & Gold Sector Initiatives

Ghana is undertaking a comprehensive economic overhaul with President John Dramani Mahama's 24-Hour Economy and Accelera...
WAFCON 2024 African Women's Football Tournament

The 2024 Women's Africa Cup of Nations opened with thrilling matches, seeing Nigeria's Super Falcons secure a dominant 3...
Emergence & Dynamics of Nigeria's ADC Coalition

A new opposition coalition, led by the African Democratic Congress (ADC), is emerging to challenge President Bola Ahmed ...
Demise of Olubadan of Ibadanland

Oba Owolabi Olakulehin, the 43rd Olubadan of Ibadanland, has died at 90, concluding a life of distinguished service in t...
Death of Nigerian Goalkeeping Legend Peter Rufai

Nigerian football mourns the death of legendary Super Eagles goalkeeper Peter Rufai, who passed away at 61. Known as 'Do...