Brazil’s National Institute of Meteorology (Inmet) has issued a red alert, its highest danger level, for the first heat wave of spring 2026 in south-central Brazil. The warning runs from noon this Saturday (26) through 6 PM Wednesday (30), fully covering the states of São Paulo, Paraná and Mato Grosso do Sul, plus parts of Mato Grosso, Minas Gerais and Rio de Janeiro.
What defines a heat wave
According to Inmet, a heat wave occurs when maximum temperatures stay at least 5°C above the historical average for the period for five or more consecutive days. The phenomenon is expected to push temperatures past 40°C in at least eight states, with Cuiabá (MT) potentially reaching 41°C on Sunday (27) and Monday (28), and Campo Grande (MS) expected to hit 40°C on Monday.
In São Paulo, the heat builds starting this weekend: the capital’s forecast calls for a high of 30°C on Saturday and 31°C on Sunday, reaching 32°C on Monday, according to Climatempo. Temperatures aren’t expected to drop until after Wednesday (30), when a new cold front reaches south-central Brazil.
Health precautions
With intense heat, the body sweats more to regulate temperature, increasing fluid loss and requiring extra attention to hydration. A general guideline is to drink between 30 and 40 ml of water per kilogram of body weight per day — for a 60 kg person, that’s roughly 1.8 to 2.4 liters daily, with needs increasing during extreme heat.
Extra care should be taken with children, older adults, pregnant women and people with chronic illnesses. Signs of dehydration include excessive thirst, dark or scarce urine, fatigue, dizziness, dry skin and a rapid heartbeat — if these occur, it’s advisable to move to a cool place, rehydrate, and seek medical attention if symptoms persist.
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