El Niño may intensify storms in Ponta Grossa; Simepar specialist explains what to expect

The El Niño in Ponta Grossa may favor more frequent rainfall and stormy periods in the coming months. In an interview with BnT News, Júlia Munhoz, meteorologist specialist in storms of the Technology and Environmental Monitoring System of Paraná (Simepar) explained that the phenomenon alters atmospheric circulation and contributes to transport heat and humidity from the Amazon towards the South of Brazil. According to her, the trend is to increase rainfall accumulates in the Paraná, although the effects may vary between regions of the state.

The interviewee pointed out that the El Niño is not the only cause of heavy rainfall. The passage of cold fronts and the formation of localized storms are also part of the climate dynamics, especially during the spring, transitional season between winter and summer.

What is El Niño and how does it influence the weather?

The El Niño is characterized by above-average warming of the surface waters of the Equatorial Pacific Ocean. According to Júlia, this change in ocean temperature interferes with the circulation of the atmosphere and can alter the distribution of rainfall in different regions.

In Brazil, one of the effects explained by the interviewee is the strengthening of the transport of heat and humidity from the Amazon to the South, through an air flow known as low-level jet.

With more moisture available in the atmosphere, conditions favorable to the formation of storms and the occurrence of rainy periods can increase on Paraná.

Ponta Grossa and Campos Gerais may have above average rainfall

Julia explained that the influence of El Niño is not limited to a city. By affecting atmospheric circulation on a large scale, the phenomenon can modify the pattern of rainfall throughout Paraná.

According to the interviewee, the western strip of the state has a tendency to accumulate higher than the average. Ponta Grossa and Campos Gerais can also record increased rainfall, but not necessarily at the same intensity as observed in other regions.

She added that the performance of the phenomenon can favor both storm episodes and sequences of days with persistent rain.

The expert pointed out, however, that the forecast for a specific region needs to be monitored continuously. This is because the conditions of the atmosphere change and the forecasts can be updated as the date of a possible event approaches.

What to expect for the next few months?

During the interview, Júlia said that the forecasts analyzed by her indicated intensification of the warming of the waters of the Pacific during the spring and summer. In this scenario, the trend was of higher frequency of rains and storms in the South of Brazil.

This does not mean that there will be storm every day in Ponta Grossa. The occurrence, intensity and location of each rainfall also depend on short-term weather conditions.

For this reason, the guidance is to keep up with weather forecast updates, rather than considering a multi-month projection as a guarantee of heavy rainfall on a specific date.

How to protect yourself during heavy rains and storms?

Júlia advised residents to regularly consult the weather forecasts and follow the alerts issued by Defesa Civil. Predictions tend to offer more accurate information about an event as the date approaches.

During storms, the recommendation presented in the interview is to seek shelter in a safe place and stay away from doors and windows. Inside the house, the orientation is to seek a more protected environment, away from the outside areas of the property.

The interviewee also drew attention to the circulation of false information about the climate on social networks. To monitor possible changes in the forecast and receive safety guidance, it recommends consulting the official channels of the meteorological bodies and the Defesa Civil.

https://youtu.be/3hYdyBFxjBM

Couple arrested and 136 kilos of cocaine in BMW seized on BR-277 in Balsa Nova