The city of Petrópolis, located in the mountainous region of Rio de Janeiro, has announced the suspension of classes in its municipal education system for Thursday, the 12th, as a precaution against forecasted heavy rains. The municipal government's decision was prompted by a weather warning issued by the Civil Defense on Wednesday, the 11th, which is expected to remain in effect until 11:59 PM on Friday, the 13th. This warning indicates the possibility of moderate to heavy rain showers in the coming days, with some instances of severe storms accompanied by lightning and gusty winds.

The purpose of suspending classes is twofold: to ensure the safety of students and education professionals and to reduce the number of people on the streets during expected peak rainfall, particularly in the afternoon when the rain is projected to be heaviest. Municipal authorities have emphasized the importance of taking these safety measures seriously given the potential for hazardous weather conditions that could pose risks to public safety.

In addition, the municipality has advised both state and private school systems to consider the possibility of following suit in suspending classes, showcasing a unified response to the severe weather threat. This highlights the proactive approach being taken by local authorities to mitigate potential disruptions and ensure the well-being of the community during adverse weather events.