Severe Heat Alert Issued for 22 Cities in Rio de Janeiro

Quick Summary

The State Health Secretariat (SES-RJ) has issued a health alert regarding excessive heat affecting 22 cities in Rio de Janeiro on Christmas Day. The alert, issued by the Center for Strategic Health Surveillance Information (CIEVS), classifies the heat as severe or extreme in various municipalities. The indicator compares the average temperature of the last three days with a 30-year historical series.

In the capital city, the municipal government placed Rio de Janeiro at level 3 on a scale that goes up to 5. On Wednesday afternoon, thermometers in the Saara region of downtown Rio reached 41°C. Health authorities warn that excessive heat increases the risk of dehydration, cardiovascular problems, and worsening of chronic diseases, particularly among the elderly and children. The State Secretary of Health, Claudia Mello, stated that the alert serves to help municipalities prepare and offer thermal shelters. The weather forecast indicates that temperatures will remain high until Sunday, with sunny days and very high temperatures throughout the state.

Heat Alert Classification and Affected Areas 🌡️

The State Health Secretariat (SES-RJ) has declared a health risk alert for 22 municipalities in the state of Rio de Janeiro due to a heat wave occurring on Christmas Day. The alert levels range from leve (light) to severo (severe) and extremo (extreme), depending on the calculated risk to public health.

According to the Secretariat, the following cities are under specific alerts:

• Extreme Heat Alert (Red): Itaboraí, Itaguaí, Japeri, Mesquita, Niterói, Paracambi, Piraí, Queimados, São Gonçalo, and Seropédica.
• Severe Heat Alert (Orange): Nova Iguaçu, Barra do Piraí, Belford Roxo, Maricá, Rio de Janeiro, Saquarema, and Tanguá.
• Light Heat Alert (Yellow): Araruama, Guapimirim, Pinheiral, Rio Bonito, and Volta Redonda.

In the capital, the municipal government placed Rio de Janeiro at level 3 of heat on a scale that goes up to 5. This classification indicates that the temperature is elevated and the forecast suggests the maintenance of this scenario. The heat wave was already felt intensely on the eve of the holiday; on Wednesday afternoon, thermometers in the Saara region of downtown Rio reached 41°C.

Methodology of Calculation 🧮

The alert was issued by the Center for Strategic Health Surveillance Information (CIEVS), based on data from Monitora RJ, a tool designed to assess when heat poses a risk to health. The calculation method relies on a comparison of recent weather patterns against historical data.

According to Luciane Velasque, Superintendent of Strategic Health Surveillance Information at SES-RJ, the indicator compares the average temperature of the last three days with a historical series of 30 years. Velasque explained the specific criteria for the different alert levels:

"When it reaches the severe flag, it means that the recent average is among the highest ever recorded. In the red flag, of extreme heat, the observed temperature is much higher," she stated. This data-driven approach allows health officials to quantify the severity of the heat wave and its potential impact on the population.

Health Risks and Safety Guidelines 🩺

The Secretariat of Health warns that excessive heat increases the risk of dehydration, cardiovascular problems, and the worsening of chronic diseases, especially among the elderly and children. A medical dermatologist from UFRJ, Anna Carolina Lucchetti, emphasized the importance of constant hydration, noting specific vulnerabilities in these groups.

Lucchetti stated: "The elderly have an alteration in the thirst mechanism and often do not feel the urge to drink water. Children, on the other hand, depend on adults to stay hydrated. Because they have less body weight, the risk of dehydration is greater."

Authorities have issued the following guidelines to the population:

• Drink water frequently, even without feeling thirsty.
• Avoid prolonged exposure to the sun, especially between 10:00 AM and 4:00 PM.
• Redouble care with children, the elderly, and bedridden individuals.
• Wear light and cool clothing.
• Avoid alcoholic beverages and those with high sugar content.
• Use sunscreen.
• Seek a health unit in case of malaise, dizziness, or other symptoms caused by thermal stress.

State Secretary of Health Claudia Mello affirmed, "This alert serves so that municipalities can prepare and offer thermal shelters. Care must be doubled, especially for those who already have health problems."

Weather Forecast for the Weekend ☀️

There will be no changes in the weather in Rio de Janeiro until Sunday, with very sunny days and very high temperatures. On Friday and throughout the weekend, the weather will be predominantly sunny throughout the state, with isolated afternoon showers in the interior of the state.

For those planning to enjoy the sea, the waves in Rio's beaches will be increasingly smaller, below 1 meter in height. In the Region of the Lakes, waves may reach 1 meter, though still small. The specific forecast for the capital includes:

• Thursday: Sunny, between 25°C and 40°C.
• Friday: Sunny, between 25°C and 39°C.
• Saturday: Sunny, between 24°C and 36°C.
• Sunday: Sunny, between 24°C and 38°C.