An atmospheric block is causing a severe heatwave affecting several Brazilian states at the end of this year. Brazil’s National Institute of Meteorology (INMET) has issued a danger alert for the entire states of São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro, and portions of Minas Gerais, Espírito Santo, Goiás, Mato Grosso do Sul, Paraná, and Santa Catarina.

The phenomenon is causing temperatures to reach up to five degrees Celsius above normal for this time of year in all of these areas.

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Here are the weather forecasts for each affected state:

São Paulo – The entire state of São Paulo is under a severe weather alert. The state capital, inland areas, and coastline should see temperatures from 34 to 35 ºC. In the afternoon, the capital will be mostly cloudy with scattered showers and isolated thunderstorms.

Rio de Janeiro – The entire state of Rio de Janeiro is also under a severe danger alert. The heatwave will affect the state capital, the entire metropolitan area, the coast, and inland areas. Temperatures are expected to reach 39 °C. Isolated showers and thunderstorms are a possibility in the afternoon.

Espírito Santo – The southern part of the state is under red alert. Temperatures in Cachoeiro do Itapemirim will reach 34 °C. No chance of rain.

Goiás – Southern Goiás, near the borders of Minas Gerais and Mato Grosso do Sul, will experience intense heat. Itumbiara will reach 34 °C. No chance of rain.

Minas Gerais – Intense heat in the Triângulo Mineiro region. Temperatures in Uberlândia should reach 33 ºC. No rain.

Mato Grosso do Sul – Heat reaches the east of the state. Temperatures in Três Lagoas will reach 36 ºC. No chance of rain.

Paraná – The northwest and central areas of the state can expect intense heat. The temperature in Curitiba, the state capital, will reach 31 °C. There is a chance of isolated showers in the afternoon. Londrina will see temperatures of 34 °C with a chance of rain and thunderstorms.

Santa Catarina – The severe weather warning also applies to northern Santa Catarina, reaching the city of Joinville, where temperatures may reach 32 °C.