Santa Catarina Braces for Continued Summer Storms and Heatwave
Table of Contents
A persistent pattern of summer showers, thunderstorms, and high temperatures is forecast for the Brazilian state of Santa Catarina (SC) through Tuesday, December 30th, with a heightened risk of hail.
A notice issued by meteorological authorities warns that the combination of heat and humidity will continue to fuel conditions conducive to severe thunderstorms, particularly from Sunday onwards. Residents are advised to remain vigilant and prepared for rapidly changing weather conditions.
Friday and Saturday: Isolated Storms Amidst High Heat
Friday, December 26th, will see a mix of clouds and sunshine across SC, punctuated by afternoon and evening rain showers. These showers carry a risk of thunderstorms, though they are expected to be relatively isolated across the state. Temperatures will climb to between 30°C and 32°C, with even higher readings in the western and eastern regions. Winds will be light to moderate, blowing from the northeast to southeast.
The hot and humid air mass currently over SC is expected to persist, leading to similarly warm conditions on Saturday, December 27th. While the overall pattern of scattered showers and thunderstorms remains, the eastern portions of SC are particularly vulnerable to more intense storm development and heavier rainfall. Temperatures will soar, reaching 32°C to 36°C, again with the highest values in the west and east. Winds will shift slightly, blowing from the northeast to northwest.
Sunday and Monday: Cold Front Brings Increased Hail Risk
Sunday, December 28th, will begin with sunshine, but conditions will deteriorate in the afternoon and evening as a cold front approaches the coast of SC. This front is expected to trigger widespread showers and thunderstorms, with a significant risk of hail. Temperatures will remain high, peaking at 34°C to 38°C, with the warmest conditions in the western and eastern areas. Winds will blow from the southeast to northeast.
The threat of severe weather will continue on Monday, December 29th, with rain showers expected throughout the day. The afternoon and night are anticipated to bring particularly favorable conditions for thunderstorms with hail, fueled by high humidity levels. The coastal regions, especially those north of Greater Florianópolis, are expected to experience the most persistent and voluminous rainfall. Temperatures will begin to decline, falling to between 27°C and 30°C. Winds will be moderate, blowing from the northeast to east, with stronger gusts along the coast.
Tuesday: Coastal Rain Persists, Inland Showers
The persistent and heavy rainfall will continue along the coast on Tuesday, December 30th, though conditions are expected to improve overnight. Inland regions will see a return to sunshine with afternoon and evening showers, and the risk of hail remains elevated due to the continued high humidity. Temperatures will remain below 30°C statewide due to increased cloud cover and precipitation. Winds will blow from the east to northeast, with more intense gusts along the coast.
According to Laura Rodrigues, a meteorologist with Epagri/Ciram, the weather maps used for forecasting in SC are based on climatological criteria, grouping regions by similarities in rainfall and temperature, rather than strictly adhering to traditional political-administrative divisions. This approach, she notes, allows for a more precise and nuanced understanding of local weather patterns.
Residents of Santa Catarina should stay informed about the latest weather updates and take necessary precautions to protect themselves from the potential hazards associated with these summer storms.
