Brasilia, Oct 6: Brasilia, Brazil’s capital, has officially broken its record for the longest dry period, with 164 days of consecutive rainless days, according to the National Institute of Meteorology (Inmet). This surpasses the previous record of 163 days set in 1963, shortly after the city’s founding.
The extended drought has triggered widespread wildfires and grassland burns, which have been rapidly increasing across Brazil since August. A report from the National Institute for Space Research (INPE) shows a 269% rise in wildfire activity in Brasilia compared to previous years.
Located in Brazil’s central region, within the Cerrado biome, the city is now battling extreme heat and dangerously low humidity levels. Authorities have issued an “orange alert” as humidity levels drop to 15%, with temperatures regularly exceeding 35 degrees Celsius.
The temperature hit a record 36.8 degrees Celsius on Thursday, marking the hottest day of the year so far. While there is some hope for relief with rain expected on October 8, the ongoing drought continues to pose significant challenges to both the environment and public health.
Experts caution that the combination of high temperatures and dry conditions has created a hazardous situation, with wildfires threatening both urban and rural areas. Residents are being advised to take precautions, limit outdoor activities, and conserve water as the drought’s impact intensifies.