Rain to Dampen Carnival Across Much of Brazil

By Eric Leister, Meteorologist

February 13,2015; 10:32PM,EST

 

 

A slow-moving cold front will be the trigger for daily thunderstorms that soak much of southern and eastern Brazil from into early next week.
Those enjoying the festivities of Carnival in cities such as Rio de Janeiro, Sao Paulo and Curitiba need to be prepared for rain and thunderstorms.
Through Saturday, the greatest threat for storms will remain south and west of Rio de Janeiro as storms bring the threat for flooding downpours and gusty winds to the states of Santa Catarina and Parana.

Thunderstorms with brief downpours are possible around the Sao Paulo area on Friday, but much of the time it will remain dry. The threat for more widespread rainfall will move into Sao Paulo on Saturday and Sunday when several thunderstorms are expected.
The storms will eventually reach Rio de Janeiro where the greatest threat for rain will be during the afternoon and evening hours each day from Monday through Wednesday.
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While widespread flooding is not expected across the region, rounds of rain over several consecutive days will lead to some localized flooding. Those traveling in the region should be prepared for possible road closures due to flooding.
The threat for thunderstorms will also lead to some travel concerns at airports across the region where delays are possible.
While rain is a concern for those attending events through Wednesday, the lack of rain over the past several years has led to a severe drought that forced the cancellation of some celebrations, according to Associated Press">The Guardian.
Limited water in many towns in eastern Brazil has already forced water rationing leading up to Carnival, and concern over no water supplies for tourists resulted in cancellation of events this year.