Rain to Dampen Carnival Across Much of Brazil

By Eric Leister, Meteorologist

February 14,2015; 10:44PM,EST

 

 

A slow-moving cold front will be the trigger for daily thunderstorms that soak much of southern and eastern Brazil 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. A greater chance for storms will move into Rio de Janeiro to end the weekend and start the coming week.

While parts of Sao Paulo managed to remain dry on Friday, the threat for more widespread rainfall will move into Sao Paulo over the when several thunderstorms are expected around the city.
The greatest threat for thunderstorms in all of these areas will be during the afternoon and evening hours.
AccuWeather.com Senior Meteorologist Rob Miller states "High heat and humidity will lead in advance of this front this weekend. Thunderstorms will erupt along and ahead of the front and will likely dampen some of the festivities".
RELATED:
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Detailed Forecast
Brazil Weather Center
Interactive Brazil Weather Satellite
While widespread flooding is not expected across the region rounds of rain over several consecutive days will lead to some localized flooding. Isolated heavy thunderstorms could produce 25-75 mm (1-3 inches) of rain daily. 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 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.