Desertification: With 10% humidity, Brazil’s Federal District is on red alert

RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL – The Federal District is on red alert due to desert-like low air humidity after reaching critical levels on Sunday, September 19, with 10% in satellite city Gama.

The National Institute of Meteorology (INMET) issues the alert when air humidity falls below 12%. There is a high risk of forest fires and a need to take extra care with one’s health due to the air’s dryness.

Lieutenant-Colonel of the Fire Department Rossano Bohnert guarantees that the low humidity and the heat are similar and common during this last stage of the dry season.

“We know that eating light foods, like salads, fruits and vegetables, helps digestion and to withstand the heat and rarefied air,” Bohnert explains.

INMET forecasts rain for next week.

SPRING

Spring officially begins on Wednesday, September 22. The expected rains during the season should bring a milder climate, characteristic of the period. “Heat and dryness will predominate. We will only see a chance of rain on Thursday, September 23,” explains INMET’s meteorologist Naiane Araújo.

With the maximum temperature passing the 30ºC mark and the low air humidity in the federal capital, the population must take extra care. Residents of Brasília must not forget to drink plenty of liquids, avoid sun exposure during the hottest hours of the day, use skin moisturizer and try to humidify the environment.

The critical situation also favors the occurrence of fires. The burning of garbage or any activity with fire requires attention. Smokers should be careful not to dispose of cigarette butts on the ground. This habit becomes very dangerous, particularly on the sides of roads and highways. Anyone who sees a fire should call the Fire Department on 193.

INMET’s guidelines to prevent dryness-related issues:

• Drink plenty of liquids;
• Physical activities are not recommended;
• Avoid sun exposure during the hottest hours of the day;
• Use moisturizer and humidify the environment;
• For more information, contact the Civil Defense (phone 199) and the Fire
  Department (phone 193).

WARNING MESSAGES

The Civil Defense monitors warnings issued by INMET. The agency then sends out weather warning and risk prevention messages to registered residents. To register for the Civil Defense alert services, residents must send a text message to number 40199, with the region’s zip code (CEP).