Heat and rain: what is yellow, orange and red alert – 12/22/2023 – Environment

Due to the extreme heat and a wave of storms, you may have already received an alert on your cell phone or seen an alert about a meteorological situation. Some of these warnings are from Inmet (National Institute of Meteorology), which classifies alerts with the colors yellow, orange and red.

Data from Google Trends shows that Brazilians are more interested in understanding what these alerts mean. In the last 90 days, for example, the top searches related to heat waves are the terms “red alert, heat wave”, “orange alert, heat wave” and “heat wave forecast”.

Furthermore, according to the platform, in the same period, the terms “storm alert” and “orange alert, storm” were the main searches related to storms.

WHAT DO THE INMET COLORS MEAN?

Indicates that potentially dangerous weather situations may occur. When referring to heat wave warnings, temperatures should be 5°C above the average for two to three consecutive days.

Regarding the rain warning, this classification indicates a volume of rain above 20 mm, reaching 30 mm, with winds of 40 km/h to 60 km/h. Andrea Ramos, meteorologist at Inmet, states that in this case there are impacts, but to a lesser extent, such as risks of flooding, falling tree branches or interruption of electricity.

This classification calls dangerous situations. If it is a heat warning, it means we will have three to five days with temperatures 5°C above average.

For a rain warning, it indicates a volume above 30 mm and that winds will exceed 60 km/h. Ramos explains that in this classification there is a risk of falling trees and power outages.

It means a warning of great danger, when meteorological phenomena of exceptional intensity may occur.

In the case of a heat alert, it indicates that we will have more than five days 5°C above average, while in the rain alert it will be a volume above 80 mm to 100 mm.

Ramos says that in this classification there is a great risk of flooding, river overflows and flooding. She cites as an example what happened in São Paulo at the beginning of November, when there was heavy rain, with gusts of wind, and the consequent power outage.

The meteorologist also recalls that, this year, several rain and storm warnings were issued in the South region. In September, storms left 41 people dead in Rio Grande do Sul and 1 in Santa Catarina.

In addition, heat wave warnings were also in evidence. According to Ramos, this year more of this type was emitted compared to last year and the country had records of high temperatures – the Minas Gerais municipality of Araçuaí, in the Jequitinhonha Valley, 593 km from Belo Horizonte, recorded in November the highest temperature ever recorded in the country. Brazil by the institute.

WHEN TO WORRY?

All alerts deserve attention. “Care is continuous, but it is necessary to increase the level of attention and precaution as the alert becomes more severe”, says Maxwel Souza, spokesperson for the Civil Defense of the State of São Paulo and lieutenant of the Military Police.

HOW TO PROTECT YOURSELF?

• Heat wave alerts

Avoid physical activity, especially in the afternoon, from noon to 3 pm, as maximum temperatures are generally higher during a heat wave during this period.

In addition to maintaining good hydration, use sunscreen and avoid heavy clothing when going out.

• Rain and wind alerts

If you are not in an area of ​​imminent risk, it is advisable to stay at home and let the storm pass. It is recommended to avoid using your cell phone while it is plugged in, due to the risk of lightning, advises Ramos.

Furthermore, do not stay in open areas, near swimming pools or under trees, due to the danger of electrical discharges.

If you are on the street, it is safer to stay in a car, as the vehicle acts as an insulator, preventing the risks associated with electrical discharges and rain.

Another tip is to stay away from construction in progress or houses and buildings that are under construction.

“In large metropolises, there are many works in progress, and it is important that people do not stay close to these areas. This is due to the presence of loose materials, such as tiles and plates, which are not yet fixed and can be carried away by the winds, representing risks of falling on people”, says Souza.

Souza states that the Civil Defense now advises that people avoid seeking shelter at gas stations, as the metal coverings can be distorted by intense rain and ripped off by the force of the winds.

The guidance comes especially after several regions of São Paulo recorded a trail of destruction, at the beginning of November, due to a storm accompanied by gusts of wind and hail.

HOW TO CONSULT ALERTS?

Inmet provides weather forecasts and alerts on its own website

To receive Civil Defense alerts, you must send an SMS text message to the number 4199. In the message field, you must enter the zip code of the location where you wish to register.