Brasília – A widespread alert for intense rainfall has been issued by the Instituto Nacional de Meteorologia (INMET), potentially impacting nearly all regions of Brazil through Sunday, February 22, 2026. The national weather agency warns of possible rainfall rates between 20 and 30 millimeters per hour, accompanied by wind gusts reaching up to 60 km/h. These conditions elevate the risk of power outages, falling tree branches, localized flooding, and lightning strikes.
The alert encompasses 22 Brazilian states, with a heightened risk of thunderstorms in parts of Paraná, Mato Grosso do Sul, Goiás, Minas Gerais, and São Paulo. INMET has placed portions of Bahia, Minas Gerais, and Piauí under a red alert, indicating a high level of danger with potential for accumulated rainfall exceeding 60 millimeters per hour, or more than 100 millimeters per day.
Residents are urged to stay informed and take necessary precautions. Detailed alerts and forecasts are available on the INMET website: https://portal.inmet.gov.br/. The current weather situation follows a period of elevated temperatures across several states, with INMET having issued an orange alert for dangerous heat conditions in December 2025, affecting parts of the country’s central-south region, according to reporting from G1 (https://g1.globo.com/meio-ambiente/noticia/2025/12/25/inmet-aviso-onda-de-calor.ghtml).
The potential for severe weather has prompted guidance from civil defense authorities. Individuals are advised to seek shelter indoors during thunderstorms, away from windows and objects that could be dislodged by strong winds. When encountering strong winds, it’s crucial to avoid proximity to trees, signs, walls, and power lines. Authorities strongly caution against attempting to cross flooded streets or submerged bridges and overpasses.
INMET’s automated station near Brasília recorded weather data as of February 20, 2026, at 22:00 UTC (https://portal.inmet.gov.br/). This data contributes to the broader national forecast and alert system.
Safety Recommendations from Civil Defense
- During storms, seek a safe indoor location, away from windows and loose objects.
- Avoid trees, signs, walls, and power lines during strong winds.
- Never attempt to cross flooded streets or submerged bridges.
For additional information and assistance, residents are encouraged to contact Civil Defense at 199 or the Fire Department at 193.
Looking Ahead
The situation remains dynamic, and INMET will continue to monitor weather patterns across Brazil. Further updates and potential adjustments to the alert levels are expected as the weather system progresses. Residents should remain vigilant and heed the advice of local authorities to ensure their safety. The institute is currently undergoing a modernization phase, as noted on its YouTube channel (https://www.youtube.com/INMETOFICIAL), which may improve forecasting accuracy in the future.
Stay informed and share this information with your community to help ensure everyone’s safety during this period of heightened weather risk.