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Extreme heat grips Brazil: record temperatures, power demand surges, and emergency actionsBrazil

Amid record-high temperatures above 40°C, the Southeast and Central-West regions of Brazil are experiencing peak electricity demand for cooling and require local actions to tackle heat stress.

The Southeast and Central-West regions of Brazil are currently undergoing the hottest summer in recent years. In Rio de Janeiro in the Southeast, the city recorded a temperature of 44 degrees Celsius, the highest on record since 2014.

 

According to local health authorities, over 3,000 people have been treated in municipal emergency services due to heat stress [1].

Furthermore, electricity demand in these regions has peaked. According to the National Grid Operator (ONS), average electricity demand in the region reached 54,599 MWmed* (average Megawatt) on February 17 [2]. This marks the second time in less than 30 days that a record for average demand has been set. The high energy consumption primarily reflects the increased use of air-conditioning and refrigeration devices amid the high temperatures.

 

In Rio, the municipality has put in place a “Level 4” action plan on a 5-level heat alert scale. “Heat level 4” is triggered when temperatures range between 40°C and 44°C and are expected to persist or rise for at least three consecutive days [3]. With level 4 in effect, the city has opened 58 cooling stations providing shaded areas, hydration points, and free-access restrooms for the public.

 

*MWmed stands for Megawatt Médio (Average Megawatt in English). It is a unit used in Brazil to represent the average power demand over a specific period, typically measured in megawatts (MW)

 

 

Did you know? The IIR supports the Global Cooling Pledge, which unites over 71 countries, 7 sub‑national cities/regions and 66 non‑state actors in the objective to cut down cooling-related emissions by 68% by 2050, while ensuring equitable access to life-saving solutions for vulnerable populations.
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Sources

[1] https://www.france24.com/en/live-news/20250217-rio-swelters-in-heatwave-amid-run-up-to-carnival

[2] https://valorinternational.globo.com/economy/news/2025/02/20/heatwave-drives-record-demand-for-power.ghtml

[3] Agência Brasil. https://agenciabrasil.ebc.com.br/en/geral/noticia/2025-02/rio-hits-44oc-highest-temperature-2014