Despite still being in spring, temperatures in the Southern Hemisphere have exceeded typical summer levels by more than a month.
A convergence of high pressure systems, El Niño, and human-caused climate change has resulted in this prolonged period of excessive heat.
Rio experienced oppressive heat and humidity on Friday, with midday temperatures exceeding 100 degrees and dew points in the upper 70s. The excessive humidity led to an uncomfortable atmosphere, with a dew point over 75 degrees considered extremely humid.
With a dew point of 77, around 23 grams of water were present in every cubic meter of the atmosphere, equivalent to the weight of roughly nine pennies.
Heat indexes exceeded 120 degrees, exacerbating the challenge of regulating body temperatures due to reduced sweat evaporation caused by high humidity levels.
Temperatures around Rio reached dangerous and record-breaking levels on Saturday, with several airports reporting heat indexes exceeding 130 degrees.
