This year’s winter, which starts on Wednesday (21/6) at 11:58 am, should have temperatures higher than the historical average in Rio Grande do Sul. However, this will not prevent the entry of cold air masses of polar origin, bringing colder periods and occasionally causing phenomena typical of the season, such as frost and fog. In addition, the El Niño phenomenon will contribute to regular rainfall in the state.
“According to the climate projections, a greater frequency and regular distribution of rainfall is expected, resulting in above-average volumes throughout the state”, evaluates Flávio Varone, meteorologist and coordinator of the Agroclimatic Monitoring and Alerts System (Simagro) of the Secretary of Agriculture, Livestock, Sustainable Production and Irrigation (Seapi).
He claims that this condition increases the possibility of severe weather events, such as hail, strong gusts of wind and high volumes of accumulated rain, which can cause flooding, roofing and landslides in hillside areas.
For agriculture, the occurrence of El Niño, with abundant rains in the coming months, could harm the development of the winter crop, especially at the end of the cycle and during the harvest. In addition, it is likely to delay the start of the summer season.
