Cold, Heavy Rain and El Niño Worry Forecasters in Southern Brazil
Listen to the story
Cold weather is returning to the southern Brazilian state of Rio Grande do Sul, according to a new weather forecast.
This week, the state will see heavy rain, with some areas receiving more than 100 mm.
There will also be hail during storms, and temperatures could rise above 30°C on some days.
This mix of cold, rain, and heat is causing concern among weather experts, who are also watching El Niño closely.
El Niño is a natural weather pattern that can make rainfall and temperatures more extreme in many parts of the world.
This year, it is being linked to unusual and rapidly changing weather in southern Brazil.
Forecasters have issued alerts for storms and hail this weekend in Rio Grande do Sul.
These alerts warn people to be careful of strong wind, lightning, and sudden downpours.
After the storms pass, temperatures are expected to rise again quickly, reaching around 30°C.
This kind of quick change, from cold to hot within days, is common during periods influenced by El Niño.
Farmers and residents in the region are being advised to follow the forecast for the second half of August closely.
Officials say the weather could bring both benefits, such as rain for crops, and risks, like flooding from heavy storms.
The report highlights that this pattern of changing weather is expected to continue through the rest of the month.
Vocabulary5 words
- heavy rain
- a large amount of rain falling
- hail
- small hard balls of ice that fall during storms
- El Niño
- a weather pattern that can change rain and temperature around the world
- alerts
- warnings about possible danger
- forecast
- a prediction of future weather
Quiz
Answer key
1. Heavy rain, hail, and temperatures above 30°C 2. Because of El Niño causing unusual, changing weather 3. Alerts for storms and hail
Fill-in-the-blank listening
Play the audio again and fill in the missing words as you listen.
Cold weather is returning to the southern Brazilian state of Rio Grande do Sul, according to a new weather _____.
This week, the state will see heavy rain, with some areas receiving more than 100 _____.
There will also be hail during storms, and temperatures could rise above 30°C on some _____.
This mix of cold, rain, and heat is causing _____ among weather experts.
El _____ is a natural weather pattern that can make rainfall and temperatures more extreme.
This year, it is being linked to unusual and rapidly changing weather in southern _____.
Forecasters have issued alerts for storms and _____ this weekend.
These alerts warn people to be careful of strong wind, lightning, and sudden _____.
After the storms pass, temperatures are expected to rise again _____.
Farmers and residents are being advised to follow the forecast for the second half of _____ closely.