A study from the Federal University of Espírito Santo indicates that Vitória, Brazil, is experiencing increased temperatures and rainfall, leading to more frequent extreme weather events such as flooding and landslides.
A recent study conducted by Geography student Vagner Siqueira Filho at the Federal University of Espírito Santo (Ufes) has revealed significant changes in the climate of Vitória, Brazil. The research found that both maximum and minimum temperatures have risen, with maximum temperatures increasing by 1 degree Celsius and minimum temperatures by 1.3 degrees. Additionally, the annual rainfall has increased by approximately 455 millimeters, translating to an average annual total of nearly 1,500 millimeters. This increase in temperature and precipitation is contributing to a more humid and warmer city environment.
The study analyzed data from the National Institute of Meteorology (Inmet), collected from a weather station operating on Santa Maria Island up until 2024. The findings suggest a worrying trend toward more concentrated rainfall in fewer days, which has implications for the frequency and severity of extreme weather events. As Siqueira Filho noted, warmer nights are becoming more common, while colder nights are decreasing. This climatic shift is expected to trigger potential disasters, such as mass landslides and severe flooding, raising concerns for urban planning and public safety in the region.
Overall, the research highlights the pressing issue of climate change impacting urban areas, particularly in a city like Vitória that is already vulnerable to climatic challenges. Urgent measures may be needed to address these issues, enhance infrastructure resilience, and implement effective disaster response strategies to mitigate the risks posed by an increasingly volatile climate.
