Extreme Heat Forces School Closures in Brazil

Authorities in Brazil have suspended classes in five southern cities due to an intense heatwave, with temperatures soaring to 36 degrees Celsius in some areas and a perceived heat index reaching 50 degrees.

The extreme conditions have raised concerns among officials, prompting emergency measures.

The National Institute of Meteorology has issued a severe weather warning for Rio Grande do Sul and four other states, highlighting that temperatures in affected regions have exceeded monthly averages by approximately five degrees Celsius.

The impact of extreme weather on education has been a growing concern in Brazil. UNESCO reported in January that climate-related disasters, including floods and droughts, affected at least 1.17 million children across the country in the past year.

Rio Grande do Sul was among the hardest-hit areas, with more than 740,000 students missing school due to the devastating floods of May 2024.

Educational policy experts warn that school closures due to extreme heat are becoming increasingly common.

Historically, Brazilian schools have shut down during dry seasons to mitigate the risks of wildfires and water shortages.

However, rising temperatures and the lack of air conditioning in many educational institutions are now contributing to more frequent disruptions.

Brazil has experienced record-breaking heatwaves this summer. In February, Rio de Janeiro recorded its hottest day in at least a decade, with temperatures reaching 44 degrees Celsius.

As climate change intensifies, experts caution that school shutdowns linked to extreme weather events may become the new normal.